James Evershed Agate (1877–1947) was an English theatre critic, diarist, and essayist known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary on British theatre. His dramatic criticism blended humor with fundamental seriousness, making him a respected voice.
Born in Pendleton, Lancashire, he initially worked in his father’s linen business before moving to journalism. He joined The Manchester Guardian (1907) and later became drama critic for The Saturday Review (1921–23) and The Sunday Times (1923–47.) His reviews, rich in humor and incisive observations, earned widespread recognition.
A prolific writer, Agate published numerous essays and reviews. His most famous work, Ego, a nine-part autobiographical diary (1932–47,) offers a lively account of British theatre, social gossip, and personal reflections. Other notable works include Buzz, Buzz! (1918,) a collection of theatre essays, and A Short View of the English Stage (1925,) examining British drama’s evolution.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by James Agate
A professional is a man who can do his job when he doesn’t feel like it. An amateur is a man who can’t do his job when he does feel like it.
—James Agate
Topics: Attitude
New Year’s resolution: To refrain from saying witty, unkind things, unless they are really witty and irreparably damaging.
—James Agate
Topics: Wit
Don’t pity me now, don’t pity me never; I’m going to do nothing for ever and ever.
—James Agate
Topics: Epitaphs
New Year’s Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.
—James Agate
The English instinctively admire any man who has no talent and is modest about it.
—James Agate
Topics: Talent, Nation, Nationalities, Nationality, Nationalism
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