Author: Alice Thomas Ellis

Alice Thomas Ellis was the pen name of Anna Haycraft, a distinguished British writer known for her sharp wit and keen observations of domestic life. Born on September 9, 1932, in Liverpool, England, she was raised in a Catholic family, a background that profoundly influenced her writing. Ellis attended a convent school and later studied in Paris, which contributed to her distinctive perspective on life and society.

Before her literary career took off, she married Colin Haycraft, with whom she helped run the renowned publishing house, Duckworth. Her writing often poked fun at the follies and foibles of human nature, marked by a dark comedic undertone. Notable works include "The 27th Kingdom" and "The Birds of the Air," both celebrated for their quirky characters and Ellis's talent for blending the surreal with everyday life.

Ellis's work continues to be appreciated for its originality and depth, capturing the complexities of British middle-class life with humor and humanity. She passed away on March 8, 2005, leaving behind a rich legacy in contemporary literature.