Morris Langlo West (1916–99) was an Australian novelist and playwright known for internationally acclaimed works exploring politics, religion, and morality. His books, often examining the Roman Catholic Church, international politics, and ethical dilemmas, were published in 27 languages and sold over 60 million copies.
Born in St Kilda, Victoria, he entered the Congregation of Christian Brothers at 14 but left before taking final vows. He later served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II as a cipher officer. His first novel, Moon in My Pocket (1945,) was published under the pseudonym Julian Morris.
West gained global recognition with The Devil’s Advocate (1959,) which won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize. His most famous novel, The Shoes of the Fisherman (1963,) depicted the election of a Slavic Pope, eerily predicting Pope John Paul II’s rise 15 years later. Other notable works include The Clowns of God (1981,) The Salamander (1973,) Harlequin (1974,) and Eminence (1998.) His final novel was The Last Confession (2000.)
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One has to abandon altogether the search for security, and reach out to the risk of living with both arms. One has to court doubt and darkness as the cost of knowing. One needs a will stubborn in conflict, but apt always to total acceptance of every consequence of living and dying.
—Morris West
Topics: Existence, Security, Acceptance
If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.
—Morris West
Topics: The Present
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