I need a modern British author

[Daaaah Whoosh]

So, I have this English project to do, and I need to do a presentation on a British author of the modern period, so like twentieth century. And so I thought I'd ask the Escapist, since it's probably the best place to find moderately intelligent gamers like myself. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Triangulon]

Not necessarily modern in the strictest sense of the word but if you are going for 20th century then why not someone like Tolkien? He certainly led an interesting, if traumatic, life.

 

[SckizoBoy]

Not necessarily modern in the strictest sense of the word but if you are going for 20th century then why not someone like Tolkien? He certainly led an interesting, if traumatic, life.

In a similar vein: CS Lewis, watch Shadowlands, pretty much sums it up. Depressing, yes, but lots to write about there.

 

[Amethyst Wind]

Terry Pratchett perhaps?

Everybody loves Discworld.

Failing that Phillip Pullman, just don't make mention of the film or your grade will lower.

 

[adam352]

I'd recommend James Joyce, read 'Dubliners' it's incredible.

 

[Riku'sTwilight]

The one to go for at the minute is of course J.K.Rowling, or failing that, why not go for something a bit more tastier in the vein of Ian Fleming (author of Bond) or Kazuo Ishiguro (he is English, trust me)
It depends what the project is about, and whether it has to be about the author's works or life

 

[Nickolai77]

Bernard Cornwell or Tom Holt, they are two British authors whom are active today. Both have written historical novels, but Tom Holt has also wrote some modern fantasy fiction.

 

[DannyFree]

I'd recommend James Joyce, read 'Dubliners' it's incredible.

Dubliners would be an interesting one to talk about concerning the conflicts between Ireland and England/Europe in the early 20th Century, if you're allowed to base your presentation on that. Specifically "The Dead" at the end contains a wealth of academic analysis on nationalist Ireland, adaptations and Free Indirect Discourse.

 

[similar.squirrel]

I'd recommend James Joyce, read 'Dubliners' it's incredible.

I was under the impression that he was Irish. Culturally, in any case.

On Topic: I would recommend David Mitchell; take my word on this and read Cloud Atlas or number9dream. Or Black Swan Green, if you want to focus on British themes and identity. Really, take my word on this. Mitchell is one of the best novelists of this era.

 

[Raven's Nest]

William Golding [http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1983/golding-bio.html] for my vote, the nobel prize winning author of Lord of the Flies...

Very interesting bloke... Especially in his senior years. If you can dig up information on it, I hear he was a real asshole.

 

[Daaaah Whoosh]

Thanks for all the suggestions, Escapist. My English teacher agrees that James Joyce would be a good person to use, so I think I'll try him.

 

[The Cake Is Annoying]

So, I have this English project to do, and I need to do a presentation on a British author of the modern period, so like twentieth century. And so I thought I'd ask the Escapist, since it's probably the best place to find moderately intelligent gamers like myself. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Yahtzee's British! Buy his book.

 

[The Cake Is Annoying]

Thanks for all the suggestions, Escapist. My English teacher agrees that James Joyce would be a good person to use, so I think I'll try him.

James Joyce is Irish.
Yes, there are differences.

Too many good people died on both sides because of the differences as well.

That doesn't mean the differences should be ignored because of convenience or "unity", it means they should be explored and widely understood so that nations don't go kicking in doors of people's homes and shooting them in front of their familys at midnight ever again.

Seriously.
Buy Yahtzee's book.

 

[Tron-tonian]

I'll second the vote for Golding, but also throw out George Orwell (Eric Blair) and Aldous Huxley (1984 & Brave New World, respectively).

Great writers, and interesting lives.

 

[Daaaah Whoosh]

All right, "The Cake Is Annoying," I know he's Irish, and I know there's a difference, but my English teacher doesn't, and she said that he'd be a good person to use. And I don't have the time to properly research anyone else, so I'll just have to take your word for it that all of these other guys are good. I'll probably read their stuff eventually, but for the moment, I'm going to take what I can get and run with it.

Seriously, I'm sorry to anyone I offended by implying that Ireland and England are the same. I'm an American, that's what we do here.

 

[SiskoBlue]

That's alright, we always mistake you for Canadians.

Are you supposed to be talking about the Author or their work, or both. James Joyce might be interesting to talk about but reading him could be a struggle.

 

[Berethond]

Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett.

 

[Zantos]

I was totally hoping I could be the first person to say Douglas Adams