Raymond Mortimer (1895–1980,) fully Charles Raymond Bell Mortimer, was a British writer, critic, and editor, best known for his literary essays and his long association with The New Statesman. A central figure in London’s intellectual circles, he combined sharp critical insight with a cosmopolitan sensibility, contributing to the shaping of mid-twentieth-century literary culture.
Born in London, Mortimer was educated at Malvern College and Balliol College-Oxford, where he studied modern history. His studies were interrupted by World War I, during which he served in France. After the war, he pursued a literary career, living for a time in Paris and immersing himself in French culture and literature. His early work included translations and essays, and he became known for his elegant prose and discerning criticism.
Mortimer’s publications include The Art of Politics (1926,) The Contemporary Novel (1938,) and The Writers and the Critics (1940,) works that reflect his engagement with literature and society. He also contributed essays and reviews to The New Statesman, where he served as literary editor 1935–47, shaping the magazine’s reputation for serious literary discussion. His wartime service continued in a cultural capacity, as he worked for the Ministry of Information during World War II.
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Tact is the art of convincing people that they know more than you do.
—Raymond Mortimer
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