Is Kingsley Amis Gay? Who is Kingsley Amis? Kingsley Amis Wiki, Bio, Age, Height, Net Worth, Nationality, and More
by Aishwarya R | Updated Feb 20, 2024
Is Kingsley Amis Gay?
No, Kingsley Amis was not gay. There is no evidence or indication that Kingsley Amis was gay. Throughout his life, Amis was married twice to women, and there is no record of him publicly disclosing or identifying as gay. His marriages to Hilary Bardwell and later to the novelist Elizabeth Jane Howard are well-documented aspects of his personal life. Amis had three children, Philip, Martin, and Sally, further affirming his heterosexual relationships.
Amis's orientation was not a subject of public speculation or discussion during his lifetime. The details available about his personal life suggest that he was exclusively involved in heterosexual relationships, and any claims about his sexuality being otherwise lack factual basis.
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Who is Kingsley Amis?
Kingsley Amis was a prominent English literary figure, recognized for his multifaceted contributions as a novelist, poet, critic, and educator. With a prolific career spanning over several decades, Amis produced a diverse body of work comprising more than 20 novels, six volumes of poetry, memoirs, short stories, and scripts for radio and television.
Among his most celebrated works are satirical comedies like "Lucky Jim" (1954), "One Fat Englishman" (1963), "Ending Up" (1974), "Jake's Thing" (1978), and "The Old Devils" (1986). His comedic prowess and keen social observations earned him the title of "the finest English comic novelist of the second half of the twentieth century" from biographer Zachary Leader.
In addition to his literary achievements, Kingsley Amis holds a notable position in post-war British literature. In 2008, The Times recognized his enduring impact, ranking him ninth on a list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945. Furthermore, his influence extended within the family, as he was the father of renowned novelist Martin Amis, cementing the Amis legacy as a significant force in the literary landscape.
Name
Kingsley William Amis
Born
16 April 1922
Born Place
Clapham, London, England
Died
22 October 1995 (aged 73)
Death Place
London, England
Occupation
Novelist, poet, critic, teacher
Alma mater
St John's College, Oxford
Period
1947–1995
Genre
Fiction, fictional prose
Literary movement
Angry young men
Spouse
Hilary Ann Bardwell (m. 1948; div. 1965)
Elizabeth Jane Howard (m. 1965; div. 1983)
Children
Philip Amis, Martin Amis, and Sally Amis
Specifications
Details
Kingsley Amis Early Life
Kingsley Amis, born on April 16, 1922, in Clapham, South London, was the only child of William Robert Amis and Rosa Annie (née Lucas). Raised in a family with a comfortable background, his paternal grandparents were affluent, with Joseph James Amis, his grandfather, owning a mansion named Barchester in Purley, Surrey. Despite this prosperity, Amis had a strained relationship with his grandfather, whom he described as a "jokey, excitable, silly little man."
Amis's maternal grandparents lived in Camberwell, and he held a special fondness for his grandfather George, an avid book collector and Baptist chapel organist. However, tensions arose within the family, notably with his paternal grandmother Julia, whom Amis loathed and feared.
The Amis family later moved to Norbury, where Kingsley was raised. Initially educated at St Hilda's, a local independent girls' school, and later at Norbury College, he eventually secured a scholarship to the City of London School in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, in 1940.
In 1941, Amis commenced his studies at St John's College, Oxford, majoring in English. It was at Oxford that he formed a significant and enduring friendship with fellow student Philip Larkin, marking a pivotal connection in his life. These early experiences and relationships laid the groundwork for Kingsley Amis's future literary endeavors and personal development.
Kingsley Amis Marital Life
Kingsley Amis's personal life was marked by marriages and family dynamics. In 1946, he met Hilary Bardwell, and the couple married in 1948 after she became pregnant with their first child, Philip. Initially considering a back-street abortion for Hilary, Amis changed his mind due to safety concerns. He worked as a lecturer in English at the University College of Swansea from 1949 to 1961. The union with Hilary brought two more children into the family: Martin in August 1949 and Sally in January 1954.
The family experienced tragedy with the passing of Sally in 2000 and, more recently, the death of Martin Amis in 2023, who had become a renowned novelist. Philip Amis pursued a career in graphics design. In 1963, Amis's marriage to Hilary faced challenges when he was discovered to be having an affair with novelist Elizabeth Jane Howard. The couple separated in August of that year, leading to a divorce.
Subsequently, Amis married Elizabeth Jane Howard in 1965. The marriage, however, ended in divorce in 1983. In his later years, Amis shared a house with Hilary and her third husband, Alastair Boyd, 7th Baron Kilmarnock. This unique living arrangement, negotiated by their sons Philip and Martin, allowed for Amis to be cared for until his passing. Martin Amis's memoir, "Experience," delves into the intricacies of his father's life, charm, and eventual decline.
Kingsley Amis Death
In August 1995, Kingsley Amis faced a health setback when he fell, believed to be a consequence of a suspected stroke. Although initial signs suggested a recovery, his condition deteriorated over time. Tragically, on October 22, 1995, Kingsley Amis passed away at St Pancras Hospital in London. The prolific English novelist, poet, and critic, known for his satirical comedies and literary contributions, succumbed to the complications arising from his health issues.
Following his death, Kingsley Amis was cremated, and his ashes were interred at Golders Green Crematorium. This marked the final resting place for a literary figure whose wit and humor had left an indelible mark on the English literary landscape. The passing of Kingsley Amis in 1995 marked the end of a remarkable literary career and a life that had significantly contributed to the world of letters in the latter half of the twentieth century.
Kingsley Amis Age
Kingsley Amis passed away at the age of 73. Born on April 16, 1922, in Clapham, London, England, the prolific English novelist lived a life marked by literary accomplishments until his death on October 22, 1995, in London.
Throughout his 73 years, Amis left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, renowned for his satirical comedies and contributions to the Angry Young Men literary movement. His wit and keen social observations continued to resonate, cementing his legacy as one of the finest comic novelists of the 20th century.
Kingsley Amis Height
Kingsley Amis's height is reported to be 1.8 meters, a detail consistent with his physical stature. Standing at approximately 5 feet 11 inches, this information aligns with the standard conversion of 1.8 meters.
While height can be a relatively straightforward and objective measurement, it's essential to note that specific details about individuals, including their physical attributes, may not always be consistently documented across various sources. In this case, the provided height appears accurate and corresponds to common standards of measurement.
Kingsley Amis Net Worth
Kingsley Amis Net Worth was around $5 million. He derived his primary source of income from his prolific career as a writer and academic. As an accomplished novelist, poet, and critic, he authored more than 20 novels, six volumes of poetry, a memoir, short stories, and works of social and literary criticism. Amis's literary contributions, notably satirical comedies like "Lucky Jim" and "The Old Devils," earned him acclaim and financial success.
His novels, known for their wit and social commentary, enjoyed commercial success, contributing significantly to his overall income. In addition to his writing, Amis worked as a lecturer in English at the University College of Swansea from 1949 to 1961, further diversifying his income streams. As an influential figure in post-war British literature, Amis's works were well-received both critically and commercially, ensuring a steady income from book sales and academic engagements throughout his career.
Kingsley Amis Nationality
Kingsley Amis was unequivocally English, born on April 16, 1922, in Clapham, South London, and spending the majority of his life in England. His nationality is firmly rooted in his English heritage, and he contributed significantly to English literature as a novelist, poet, critic, and academic.
The son of William Robert Amis, a clerk in London, and Rosa Annie Lucas, Amis's upbringing and cultural background were distinctly English. His impact on the literary landscape is often celebrated within the context of British literature, solidifying his identity as an English literary figure.
Is Kingsley Amis Gay - FAQs
No, there is no evidence or indication that Kingsley Amis was gay. He was married twice to women, Hilary Ann Bardwell and later to novelist Elizabeth Jane Howard. His relationships and marriages with women are well-documented in his biographical information.
Kingsley Amis (1922–1995) was an English novelist, poet, critic, and teacher. He is best known for his satirical comedies such as "Lucky Jim," "One Fat Englishman," and "The Old Devils." Amis wrote more than 20 novels, six volumes of poetry, and works of social and literary criticism. He was a key figure in the Angry Young Men literary movement and was ranked ninth on The Times' list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945.
Kingsley Amis had three children: Philip Amis, a graphics designer; Martin Amis, a renowned novelist; and Sally Amis, who passed away in 2000.
Kingsley Amis was born on April 16, 1922, in Clapham, London, England.
Kingsley Amis is recognized for his significant contributions to English literature. His satirical and comedic novels, along with volumes of poetry, reflect his wit and social observations. He is considered one of the finest English comic novelists of the 20th century, and his influence on post-war British literature is enduring.