Jan Morris

Jan Morris (born James Humphrey Morris) is a Welsh historian, travel writer, and author. She is best known for her books on the British Empire and her travel writing. She has written over thirty books, including the Pax Britannica trilogy, which chronicles the rise and fall of the British Empire.

Early Life

Jan Morris was born in 1926 in the Welsh town of Clevedon. She was raised in a middle-class family and attended the local grammar school. After graduating, she joined the British Army and served in the Intelligence Corps during World War II. After the war, she attended Oxford University, where she studied English literature.

Writing Career

In the 1950s, Morris began writing for the Times newspaper in London. She wrote about her travels in Europe and the Middle East, and her articles were well-received. In 1955, she published her first book, Coast to Coast, which was a travelogue of her journey across the United States. This was followed by her Pax Britannica trilogy, which was a three-volume history of the British Empire.

In the 1960s, Morris wrote a series of books about her travels in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. She also wrote a book about the city of Venice, which was published in 1966. In the 1970s, she wrote a series of books about the history of Wales, including The Matter of Wales and Wales: Epic Views of a Small Country.

Later Life

In the 1980s, Morris wrote a series of books about the history of the British Empire, including The Oxford Book of the British Empire and The Rise and Fall of the British Empire. She also wrote a book about the city of Hong Kong, which was published in 1997.

In the 2000s, Morris wrote a series of books about her travels in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. She also wrote a book about the city of Istanbul, which was published in 2004.

In recent years, Morris has continued to write about her travels and the history of the British Empire. She has also written several books about the city of Venice, including Venice: Pure City and Venice: A New History.

Legacy

Jan Morris is widely regarded as one of the most influential travel writers of the 20th century. Her books have been translated into many languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. She has also been awarded numerous awards, including the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award and the OBE.