Martin Amis Illness And Health: What Illness Does Martin Amis Have Before He Die?
by Aishwarya R
Updated May 23, 2023
Who was Martin Amis?
Martin Louis Amis FRSL, born on August 25, 1949, and departed from this world on May 19, 2023, was a highly acclaimed English novelist, essayist, memoirist, and screenwriter. Throughout his illustrious career, he captivated readers with his exceptional literary works, leaving an indelible mark on the world of literature.
Amis is best remembered for his influential novels, particularly the renowned "Money" (1984) and "London Fields" (1989), which showcased his exceptional storytelling abilities and sharp wit. His talent garnered recognition, earning him the prestigious James Tait Black Memorial Prize for his memoir, "Experience." Additionally, he received notable acclaim by being shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1991 for "Time's Arrow" and longlisted in 2003 for "Yellow Dog."
From 2007 to 2011, Amis held the esteemed position of Professor of Creative Writing at the Centre for New Writing at the University of Manchester. His impact extended beyond his own works, as he served as a source of inspiration for numerous British novelists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including the likes of Will Self and Zadie Smith.
Amis's literary explorations often revolved around the excesses and idiosyncrasies of "late-capitalist" Western society. With a keen eye for satire, he skillfully depicted its perceived absurdities through grotesque caricatures, earning him the reputation of a master of what The New York Times described as "the new unpleasantness." Influenced by literary giants such as Saul Bellow, Vladimir Nabokov, and his own father, Kingsley Amis, Martin Amis's unique voice and perspective shaped the literary landscape and left an indelible imprint on contemporary British literature.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, The Times honored Amis by naming him one of the fifty greatest British writers since 1945, solidifying his legacy as a literary luminary whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
Martin Amis Illness and Health
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of the esteemed British novelist, Martin Amis, who valiantly battled oesophageal cancer until the very end. At the age of 73, this talented writer left us, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt within the literary world and beyond. Amis's struggle with this devastating disease highlights the immense toll it took on his health, serving as a reminder of the fragility of life.
Tragically, his close friend, the renowned journalist Christopher Hitchens, also succumbed to the same ailment, adding to the sorrow within their circle. Throughout his prolific career, Amis gifted us with fifteen remarkable novels, establishing himself as a prominent and revered literary figure. His works, such as "Money: A Suicide Note" and "London Fields," showcased his unrivaled talent for delving into intricate themes with a remarkable blend of wit and precision.
Amis's publisher, Vintage Books, expressed their profound sorrow at the loss of such an extraordinary writer. They emphasized his multifaceted abilities as a novelist, essayist, memoirist, critic, and stylist. His contributions to the literary world were unparalleled, and his legacy will forever be cherished by readers and scholars alike. As we come to terms with the departure of Martin Amis, let us remember his profound impact on literature and the profound depth of his words. May his spirit continue to inspire and captivate us, even as we mourn the loss of this literary icon.
What Illness does Martin Amis have Before He Die?
Martin Amis had oesophageal cancer before he died on 19 May 2023. Amis graced us with a literary legacy that spans over 15 remarkable novels, each a testament to his immense talent and unmatched skill. His memoir, "Experience," published in 2000, stands as a brilliant work that allowed us to glimpse into the depths of his life and experiences.
Not content with confining himself to fiction, Amis fearlessly ventured into the realm of non-fiction, producing thought-provoking works that shed light on a wide array of subjects. From exposing the atrocities of Stalin to examining the far-reaching impact of the Holocaust and the complexities of the war on terror, Amis fearlessly explored the intricate tapestry of history and society.
In his later works, Amis delved even deeper into these weighty themes, providing readers with profound insights into the human condition. His last novel, "Inside Story," which was published in 2020, offered a poignant and deeply personal account, weaving together elements of autobiography and friendship. Through this work, Amis invited us to reflect on his unique relationship with Christopher Hitchens and his complex bond with his own father.
In the wake of Amis's departure, an outpouring of heartfelt tributes has flooded in, testifying to the indelible mark he left on the literary world. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a display of shock and sadness, hailed Amis as the greatest satirist since Evelyn Waugh, highlighting the dark and humorous brilliance that defined his writing. Johnson even suggested revisiting the tennis match in Amis's novel "Money" as a source of solace, concluding with a poignant "RIP."
Richard Coles, in his expression of condolences, paid tribute to Amis's masterpiece, "Money," which he regarded as the finest novel of the 1980s. Coles also expressed his deep admiration for Amis's insightful and thought-provoking essays. As we bid farewell to Martin Amis, we are left with a profound void in the literary landscape. Yet, we can take solace in the fact that his words and ideas will endure, continuing to inspire generations to come. May his remarkable literary contributions forever be treasured, and may his soul find eternal peace.
Martin Amis Early Life
On the 25th of August 1949, in the heart of Oxford, England, Martin Amis entered the world, destined to become a luminary in the realm of literature. His father, the esteemed novelist Sir Kingsley Amis, hailed from humble beginnings as the son of a mustard manufacturer's clerk in Clapham, London, while his mother, Hilary Ann Bardwell, was raised in Kingston upon Thames, the daughter of a civil servant in the Ministry of Agriculture. Together, they brought Martin and his siblings, an older brother named Philip and a younger sister named Sally, into a world brimming with possibilities.
As a young student in the 1950s and 1960s, Amis attended various schools, including Bishop Gore School in Swansea and Cambridgeshire High School for Boys. Although described by one headmaster as "unusually unpromising," fate had other plans for this young prodigy. The resounding success of his father's debut novel, "Lucky Jim," propelled the family across the Atlantic to Princeton, New Jersey, where Sir Kingsley shared his wisdom as a lecturer.
At the tender age of 15, Amis embarked on a different kind of adventure, gracing the silver screen as John Thornton in the film adaptation of Richard Hughes' "A High Wind in Jamaica." This early exposure to storytelling left an indelible impression on him, igniting a passion for the written word that would shape his future.
Amis, who once admitted to having read little more than comic books, experienced a transformative moment when his stepmother, the acclaimed novelist Elizabeth Jane Howard, introduced him to the works of Jane Austen. From that point forward, Austen became his guiding light, his earliest muse.
Determined to make his mark in the world of literature, Amis pursued his studies at Exeter College, Oxford. There, he emerged triumphant, earning a first-class degree in English. The examiners were so moved by his papers that they invited him for a viva, expressing their delight in reading his work. It was a moment that confirmed his innate talent and set him on the path to greatness.
Following his graduation in 1971, Amis embarked on a literary journey. Under the pseudonym 'Henry Tilney,' he crafted reviews of science fiction novels for the Observer, honing his craft and finding his voice. By the summer of 1972, he secured an entry-level position at The Times Literary Supplement, an invaluable stepping stone in his blossoming career.
At the tender age of 27, Amis assumed the role of literary editor at the New Statesman, where he found inspiration in the renowned writer and editor, John Gross. It was during this time that he forged a lifelong friendship with Christopher Hitchens, a brilliant feature writer for The Observer. Their bond would endure until Hitchens's untimely passing in 2011, a testament to the profound connections forged through a shared love of words.
Martin Amis's journey from humble beginnings to literary icon serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream. His insatiable curiosity, unwavering dedication, and boundless imagination propelled him to heights of literary brilliance. Through his words, he ignited the spark of creativity in countless minds, forever shaping the landscape of literature. Today, we honor his legacy and celebrate the profound impact he had on the world of letters.
Martin Amis Smoking
Martin Amis hadn't quit smoking entirely; instead, his smoking had taken a digital turn. In place of the familiar leather pouch filled with carefully blended tobacco and thick Rizla packets resembling cheque-books, he now wielded an e-cigarette, albeit with the same nonchalant air. The red glow of its tip acted like a laser pointer, tracing exclamation marks and swirling semi-colons in the air.
During the hour spent holed up in the deserted bar of a downtown Perth hotel, with the scorching West Australian sun outside threatening to melt the tarmac while the Antarctic-level air conditioning left them shivering, Amis's speech meandered and swerved, reminiscent of the days when smoke hung in the air from his analog smoking. Censures and praises effortlessly rolled off his tongue like a well-oiled production line.
Perhaps this change in habit was an accommodation to his not-so-new home, America – the country where, as TV dramatist Dennis Potter once remarked, it is easier to brandish a gun than a cigarette. Gun culture, it seemed, occupied Amis's thoughts. "Being in America has heightened my awareness of the incredible contradictions within American life, along with its institutionalized delusions and insanities."
He elaborated, recounting a humorous piece he had read in the Observer by Henry Porter. The article was written during the time when Syria was dominating discussions about intervention due to a chemical weapons attack. Porter chose to sidestep the Syrian crisis and instead pointed out that the world couldn't stand idly by while Americans killed each other at a rate of nearly 87 gun-related deaths per day. According to Porter, what America needed was a humanitarian intervention!
Amis's reflections on America unveiled the complex tapestry of a nation, blending irony, critique, and dark humor. His keen observations painted a vivid picture of the contradictions that defined American society, leaving an indelible impression on those who listened to his words.
Is Martin Amis gay?
No, Martin Amis is not gay. In the year 1984, Amis entered into matrimony with Antonia Phillips, a philosophy teacher from Boston who had previously experienced the loss of her spouse. The couple was blessed with the arrival of two sons, namely Louis and Jacob. Following the dissolution of his marriage with Phillips, Amis found love once again and tied the knot with Isabel Fonseca, a talented Uruguayan American writer, in 1998.
Embracing a new chapter in his life, Amis ventured into Uruguay alongside his second wife and their two young daughters. They spent two and a half years in the enchanting South American country before Amis felt the pull of his homeland, prompting their return to Britain in September 2006. The joy of parenthood expanded for Amis when, in 2008, his daughter Delilah, from his previous relationship with Lamorna Seale, gave birth to a beautiful grandson. Reflecting on the changes that unfolded during his time in Uruguay, Amis admitted to a shift in his political leanings upon his return.
Without expecting it, he found himself moving towards a more right-wing stance while remaining in the same physical location. He expressed unease regarding what he perceived as a growing and overt hostility towards Israel and the United States. In late 2010, Amis made an intriguing acquisition—a brownstone residence in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, in the United States.
Although the extent of his time spent there remained uncertain, it marked a new chapter in his life. In 2012, Amis announced his decision to "move house" from Camden Town in London to Cobble Hill in an article he penned for The New Republic. Additionally, he maintained a residence in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, further attesting to his connection with the United States. Throughout his personal journey, Amis's life intertwined with diverse cultures and landscapes, enriching his experiences and influencing his perspective as a writer and observer of the world.
Martin Amis Height
Martin Louis Amis stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches, which is approximately 1.6764 meters or 167.64 centimeters. Despite his stature, Amis has made a towering impact in the literary world through his remarkable writing and contributions to literature. His height, while a physical attribute, does not diminish the immense talent and intellectual prowess that he possesses. Martin Amis's literary achievements and influence far surpass the measure of his height, cementing his place as a prominent figure in the literary landscape.
Martin Amis Jewish
Martin Amis, the renowned English novelist who passed away at the age of 73, expressed a deep admiration for American Jewish writers and their achievements. In his essays, he celebrated figures like John Updike, whom he considered capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with great Jewish literary luminaries such as Saul Bellow, Philip Roth, Norman Mailer, and Isaac Bashevis Singer. Amis saw Updike's creation of the Jewish character Henry Bech as a way of indirectly connecting with Jewish identity and literature.
Unlike some writers of previous generations who responded to Jewish success in American literature with antisemitic undertones, Amis and Updike chose a different path. They embraced the idea of assimilating with Jewish culture and creative achievements. Amis expressed admiration not only for literary accomplishments but also for successes in other creative domains. He was particularly moved by the box office success of Steven Spielberg's film E.T., even remarking on Spielberg's status as a highly effective popular artist.
While Amis exhibited a profound appreciation for Jewish contributions to literature and the arts, it is important to note that he himself was not Jewish. His admiration and identification with Jewish writers and their accomplishments reflect his intellectual curiosity, respect for talent, and ability to recognize excellence across cultural and religious boundaries.
Martin Amis Obituary
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Martin Amis, an extraordinary British novelist who has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. His passing at the age of 73 has left a void in the hearts of readers and writers alike, for he was a true titan of literature.
Amis's contributions to the literary world are immeasurable. With his razor-sharp wit, unparalleled storytelling abilities, and thought-provoking narratives, he captivated audiences and challenged our perceptions of the world. His novels, such as "Money" and "London Fields," showcased his mastery in dissecting the complexities of contemporary society, unearthing the absurdities and excesses of our time.
Beyond his remarkable novels, Amis's non-fiction works and essays displayed his formidable intellect and keen insights. He fearlessly explored a wide range of topics, from politics to art, from history to popular culture, leaving no stone unturned in his quest for understanding and truth. His prose sparkled with eloquence, wit, and a profound understanding of the human condition.
Amis's literary prowess was recognized through numerous accolades and nominations, including being shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize. His memoir, "Experience," received the esteemed James Tait Black Memorial Prize, cementing his reputation as a versatile writer capable of capturing the essence of personal experiences with honesty and grace.
As we reflect on Martin Amis's legacy, we cannot overlook the profound influence he had on future generations of writers. His unique narrative style and fearless exploration of contemporary themes inspired countless aspiring authors, who sought to emulate his genius and push the boundaries of their own craft.
Beyond his literary achievements, Amis's larger-than-life persona and wit were a source of delight and admiration for his readers. His sharp observations, biting satire, and unapologetic opinions made him a captivating figure in both literary and public spheres. His presence will be sorely missed, leaving a void that cannot be filled.
Today, we celebrate the life and works of Martin Amis, a literary giant who reshaped the landscape of contemporary literature. His words will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come, as his profound insights and extraordinary storytelling continue to captivate and enlighten. Though he may no longer be with us, his literary legacy will endure, serving as a testament to his brilliance and unwavering commitment to the craft of writing.
Farewell, dear Martin Amis. Your words will forever echo in our hearts and minds, reminding us of the immense power of literature to shape our understanding of the world. Your contributions to the literary canon are a gift that will continue to inspire and enlighten readers for all time. Rest in peace, knowing that your words have left an indelible impression on the literary world and the hearts of countless readers.
Martin Amis Illness and Health - FAQs
Martin Amis was a renowned British novelist, essayist, and memoirist who made significant contributions to contemporary literature. He was known for his sharp wit, insightful storytelling, and exploration of complex themes in his works.
Martin Amis published several acclaimed novels, including "Money" and "London Fields," which showcased his talent for dissecting contemporary society. His memoir, "Experience," received the prestigious James Tait Black Memorial Prize, and he was also nominated for the Booker Prize multiple times.
Martin Amis's unique narrative style and fearlessness in tackling contemporary themes inspired aspiring writers worldwide. His profound insights and innovative storytelling techniques encouraged others to push the boundaries of their own craft and delve into thought-provoking subjects.
Martin Amis's larger-than-life persona, biting satire, and unapologetic opinions made him a captivating figure in both literary and public circles. His sharp observations and wit resonated with readers and sparked lively discussions on various topics.
Martin Amis's literary legacy will endure through his powerful words and extraordinary storytelling. His works will continue to captivate and enlighten readers, reminding them of the profound influence literature can have on our understanding of the world. His impact on the literary world and his unique perspective will be celebrated for generations to come.