Mervyn Peake was born on 9 July 1911 in the Chinese hill-station of Kuling to medical missionary parents. He was educated at Tientsin Grammar School, Eltham College, Kent and the Royal Academy Schools in London.

A precocious artist, whose drawings were first published at the age of eleven, he went on to become one of Britain’s most notable illustrators providing material for classics such as The Ancient Mariner, Alice In Wonderland, Treasure Island and The Hunting Of The Snark. In addition, he was a playwright, an award-winning poet and the author of several childrens’ books.

He is best known, however, for the ‘Gormenghast’ trilogy, an extended fantasy revolving around Titus Groan, 77th Earl of the crumbling castle Gormenghast. Published between 1946 and 1959 the trilogy received critical acclaim but sold poorly. Only after his death did his work achieve the cult status that it has maintained ever since.

His last years were blighted by the early onset of Parkinson’s Disease from which he died in 1968.

Home >> Authors >> Mervyn Peake >>

Cloth bindings

Fine bindings