Who was Malcolm Muggeridge? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In March

Died At Age: 87

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Katherine

father: Henry (known as H. T. Muggeridge)government)

mother: Annie Booler

Writers Journalists

Died on: November 14, 1990

place of death: Robertsbridge, East Sussex, England, UK

City: London, England

More Facts

education: University of Cambridge, Selwyn College, Cambridge

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What were Malcolm Muggeridge's views on Christianity?

Malcolm Muggeridge had a complex relationship with Christianity. He started as an agnostic but later became a devout Christian, even converting to Catholicism in his later years.
2

What impact did Malcolm Muggeridge have on journalism?

Malcolm Muggeridge was a prominent journalist known for his wit and insight. He often critiqued the media and popular culture, offering a unique perspective that resonated with many.
3

How did Malcolm Muggeridge's experiences during World War II influence his writing?

Malcolm Muggeridge's experiences during World War II, including his work as a soldier and as a spy, deeply influenced his writing. He often reflected on the nature of evil and the human condition in his works.
4

What were some of Malcolm Muggeridge's most controversial opinions?

Malcolm Muggeridge was known for his contrarian views on various subjects, including his criticisms of modern culture, media, and political ideologies. His opinions often sparked debate and discussion.
5

How did Malcolm Muggeridge's background in media shape his later career?

Malcolm Muggeridge's early career in media, including working as a journalist and editor, provided him with a unique perspective that he later applied to his writing and commentary on society and culture.

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Childhood & Early Life

Thomas Malcolm Muggeridge was born on March 24, 1903, to H.T. Muggeridge and Annie Booler in Sanderstead, South Croydon. He had four other siblings, with whom he was raised in Croydon.

He studied at Selhurst High School and then Selwyn College from where he earned a pass degree in natural sciences in 1924. During this period, he also taught English Literature for a short-term in India and also at the John Ruskin Central School, in Croydon.

He returned to Britain in 1927 and worked as a teacher before he moved to Egypt for six months, where he taught English Literature.

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Career

He got his first job in journalism with ‘The Guardian’ on the basis of the recommendation from Arthur Ransome. He then became a columnist for the ‘Manchester Guardian’ in 1932. During this time he also wrote ‘Three flats: a play in three acts’.

In 1934, he penned, ‘Winter in Moscow’, describing circumstances in the communist Shangri-La and mocking the other journalists’ credulous view of Joseph Stalin’s administration. He also worked on another publication titled, ‘Picture Palace’.

He authored, ‘The Earnest Atheist: A study of Samuel Butler’, in 1936, which propelled him to fame. During this time, he was also working on ‘The Thirties’, which was published only four years later.

At the outbreak of World War II, he joined the Corps of Military Police in May 1940. He was shifted to the Intelligence Corps as a lieutenant two years later.

After the war ended, he became a correspondent for the ‘Daily Telegraph’ in 1946. Three years later, he wrote, ‘Affairs of the Heart’. This was followed by a brief period of working as an editor for ‘Punch Magazine’.

In 1953, he also worked as a television journalist for ‘Panorama’. Four years later, he became the subject of contempt for criticism of the British kingdom in the U.S. magazine, ‘The Saturday Evening Post’ after a controversial article on the Queen.

It was around this time he wrote the introduction for ‘How can you Bear to be a Human’ which was written by Nicholas Bentley. In the 1960s, his spiritual beliefs began to take shape, despite the fact that he was dubious about religion for most part of his life.

His most important work was in 1969, when he published ‘Jesus Rediscovered’, which was a collection of articles, sermons and essays on faith. This went on to become a best-seller.

Muggeridge wrote two volumes of an autobiography, the first of which was published in 1972 titled, ‘The Green Stick’. This was followed by ‘Chronicles of Wasted Time’, which was published the subsequent year.

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In 1975, he authored ‘Jesus: The Man Who Lives’, which was followed by ‘Christ and the Media’, two years later. His later works were reflections of his religious beliefs inspired by Mother Teresa and her services.

From 1980 to 1988, he published three more of his popular works titled, ‘The End of Christendom’, ‘Like it was: The diaries of Malcolm Muggeridge’ and ‘Conversion: The Spiritual Journey of a Twentieth Century Pilgrim’.

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Major Works

‘A Third Testament’, written in 1976 is considered one of his more substantial works. It explored the lives Augustine of Hippo, Blaise Pascal, William Blake, S�ren Kierkegaard, Leo Tolstoy and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This piece of work was a best-seller and was republished in 2002. The novel was also adapted for a miniseries on television with the same title.

Awards & Achievements

He was posthumously awarded the ‘Ukrainian Order of Freedom’ in 2008.

Personal Life & Legacy

He married Katherine ‘Kitty’ Dobbs in 1927.

After remaining agnostic for a long time, he converted to Roman Catholicism along with his wife Kitty at the age of 79, in 1982.

He passed away at Roberstbridge, East Sussex, England. Following his death, a number of his works were republished including ‘Chronicles of Wasted Time: An Autobiography’, ‘A Third Testament’ and ‘Conversion: The Spiritual Journey of a 20th Century Pilgrim’.

In 2003, an eponymous Literary Society was founded on the event of his centenary. The Malcolm Muggeridge Society was also established to distribute his works.

Facts About Malcolm Muggeridge

Malcolm Muggeridge was known for his wit and humor, often engaging in playful banter with those around him.

He had a unique talent for finding beauty in the ordinary, often expressing his appreciation for simple moments and everyday experiences.

Muggeridge was a voracious reader and had a deep love for literature, often incorporating literary references into his writing and speeches.

He was known for his sharp observational skills, which he used to critique society and politics in a thoughtful and thought-provoking manner.

Muggeridge had a passion for travel and exploration, often seeking out new experiences and cultures to broaden his understanding of the world.

Malcolm Muggeridge Biography

You wanted to know

What were Malcolm Muggeridge's views on Christianity?

What impact did Malcolm Muggeridge have on journalism?

How did Malcolm Muggeridge's experiences during World War II influence his writing?

What were some of Malcolm Muggeridge's most controversial opinions?

How did Malcolm Muggeridge's background in media shape his later career?