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Biographical note
Muriel Spark, D.B.E, C. Litt, was born in Edinburgh in 1918. A poet and novelist, she also wrote children's books, radio plays, a comedy, 'Doctors of Philosophy', first performed in London in 1962, and biographies. She is best known for her stories and many successful novels, including Memento Mori, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Loitering With Intent, The Comforters, A Far Cry from Kensington and The Public Image. For her long career of literary achievement, Muriel Spark won international praise and many awards, including the David Cohen British Literature Award, the T. S. Eliot Award, the Saltire Prize, the Boccaccio Prize for European Literature, the Gold Pen Award and the Italia Prize for dramatic radio. Muriel Spark was given an honorary doctorate of Letters from a number of universities, London, Edinburgh and Oxford among these. She died in 2006.There is no question about the quality and distinctiveness of her writing, with its quirky concern with human nature, and its comedy
William Boyd
Mercurially funny, playful and mischievous
Ali Smith
A master of malice and mayhem
- Michiko Kakutani, New York Times
The greatest Scottish novelist of modern times . . . my admiration for spark's contribution to literature known no bounds
Ian Rankin
The Observing Eye is a collection of Muriel Spark's brilliant asides, sayings, and aphorisms. No other writer can hold a candle to her wry, puckish observations:
'Neurotics are awfully quick to notice other people's mentalities.'
'It is impossible to persuade a man who does not disagree, but smiles.'
'The sacrifice of pleasure is of course itself a pleasure.'
'Be on the alert to recognize your prime at whatever time in your life it may occur.'
'Ridicule is the only honourable weapon we have left.'
Spark's striking insights are precise and unforgettable - they will make you laugh and nod in agreement, with a wicked smile on your face. Her wise words never fail to hit exactly the right note.