John Carey, who served as the chief literary critic for The Sunday Times for an impressive 46 years starting in 1977, was the epitome of a dedicated and principled literary critic. Throughout his tenure, Carey produced a review every fortnight, undeterred by weather, holidays, or illness. His commitment to literature and criticism was unwavering, making him an ideal figure in the literary world.
Known for his modesty and ascetic lifestyle, Carey shunned the superficial aspects of literary circles. He seldom attended literary parties and maintained a deliberate distance from forming too many literary friendships. For Carey, the integrity of the review was paramount, and he was determined not to let personal relationships interfere with his work.
A Fierce Advocate for Egalitarianism
Carey was a staunch moralist, deeply influenced by his lower-middle-class upbringing and grammar school education. Embracing Orwellian ideals of egalitarianism, he was unafraid to critique pomposity and snobbery in the literary world. His sharp critiques did not spare literary giants like Virginia Woolf, Anthony Powell, and T.S. Eliot, each receiving their share of his incisive commentary.
His impartiality was legendary, as demonstrated at a Sunday Times Books Christmas party where a fellow critic, incensed by Carey’s review, poured a glass of wine over his head. This incident underscored Carey’s commitment to honesty over personal relationships.
Intellectual Brilliance and Humorous Wit
Carey’s intellectual prowess was undeniable. As the Merton Professor of English Literature at Oxford University for 25 years, he authored insightful books on Dickens, Milton, Thackeray, and John Donne. He had a knack for making complex ideas accessible, famously remarking on a Shakespeare biography,
“Surely Shakespeare’s life cannot have been as boring as this.”
His versatility as a critic was evident in his ability to review a wide range of topics, from science to art, with equal enthusiasm. Carey’s humor was another hallmark of his writing, often using it to great effect. He once described the Victorian historian Thomas Carlyle as
“so poisonous it’s a wonder his mind didn’t infect his bloodstream.”
Similarly, he critiqued philosopher Roger Scruton’s style as
“ponderous, impenetrable and grindingly repetitive… like someone trying to unwrap his lunchtime sandwich with the aid of a fork-lift truck.”
Passion for Reviewing and Lasting Impact
Carey’s passion for reviewing was unparalleled. Every six months, he would meticulously select from a list of forthcoming titles, eagerly awaiting his next assignment. Reviewing, he admitted, was like a drug; he became restless without a project to work on.
Despite having his share of detractors, particularly after his controversial works like The Intellectuals and the Masses (1992) and What Good Are the Arts? (2005), Carey amassed a legion of admirers. Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro praised him for his relatable approach, stating,
“Everything he says seems to come inflected by personal, lived experience.”
Dominic Sandbrook, a fellow reviewer, admired Carey’s courage and clarity, describing him as
“unstuffy, democratic and populist in the best sense of the word.”
Legacy and Influence
Carey’s influence on literary culture was profound. One of his early reviews helped launch the career of Seamus Heaney, whom Carey championed throughout his career. As an editor, working with Carey was a privilege, and his clarity and engagement set a standard for The Sunday Times’ books pages.
For many, Carey was the embodiment of literary criticism — fierce, kind, principled, and brilliant. His legacy as the greatest literary critic of his age remains, inspiring those passionate about books. As we bid farewell to John Carey, his impact and contributions to literature will be remembered and cherished.
