Christopher St. John Sprigg
- Born:
- July 22, 1907, London, England
- Died:
- August 31, 1942, near Cambrai, France
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Author, Poet, Aviator
Early Life and Education
- Born into a literary family; father was a journalist.
- Early interest in aviation and mechanics.
- Educated at Gresham's School, Holt.
Career and Major Achievements
- Published his first novel, Crime Coast, under the pseudonym Christopher Caudwell, in 1931.
- Joined the Communist Party of Great Britain in 1935.
- Known for his Marxist literary criticism, including Illusion and Reality: A Study of the Sources of Poetry (posthumously published).
- Volunteered for the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War.
- Served as a gunner in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during World War II.
- Killed in action near Cambrai, France.
Notable Works
- Crime Coast (1931) - Detective novel (as Christopher Caudwell)
- The Mystery of the Golden Angel (1932) - Detective novel (as Christopher Caudwell)
- Death Comes From Spain (1935) - Detective novel (as Christopher Caudwell)
- Illusion and Reality: A Study of the Sources of Poetry (1937) - Literary criticism (as Christopher Caudwell)
- Studies in a Dying Culture (1938) - Essays (as Christopher Caudwell)
- Further Studies in a Dying Culture (1949) - posthumously published essays (as Christopher Caudwell)
Legacy and Impact
Christopher St. John Sprigg, writing as Christopher Caudwell, left a significant mark on Marxist literary theory and detective fiction. His analysis of poetry in Illusion and Reality remains influential. The subject of "Aurore Giscard d'Estaing biography of Christopher" could delve into his literary contributions and political engagements.