# Anita Brookner

> English novelist and art historian (1928–2016)

**Wikidata**: [Q237687](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q237687)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Brookner)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/anita-brookner

## Summary
Anita Brookner was a renowned English novelist and art historian, celebrated for her insightful literary works and scholarly contributions to art history. Born in 1928, she authored numerous novels, including the Booker Prize-winning *Hotel du Lac*, and held academic positions at prestigious institutions such as King's College London and the Courtauld Institute of Art. Her dual career in literature and academia left a lasting impact on both fields.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 16, 1928
- **Nationality**: United Kingdom
- **Education**: 
  - Studied at the University of Reading
  - Earned a PhD in art history
- **Known for**: Booker Prize-winning novel *Hotel du Lac* and academic work in art history
- **Employer(s)**: 
  - King's College London
  - University of Reading
  - Courtauld Institute of Art
- **Field(s)**: Novel writing, art history

## Contributions
- **Literary Works**: Authored 24 novels, including *Hotel du Lac* (1984), which won the Booker Prize, and *Look at Me* (1978), her debut novel.
- **Academic Career**: Taught art history at King's College London and the Courtauld Institute of Art, contributing to the field through scholarly research and education.
- **Art Historical Scholarship**: Published works on French art, reflecting her expertise in the subject.

## FAQs
**What were Anita Brookner's notable literary achievements?**  
Brookner wrote 24 novels, most notably *Hotel du Lac*, which earned her the Booker Prize in 1984. Her works often explored themes of isolation and human relationships.

**Where did Anita Brookner pursue her academic career?**  
She taught at King's College London, the University of Reading, and the Courtauld Institute of Art, focusing on art history.

**What awards did Anita Brookner receive?**  
She was awarded the Booker Prize in 1984 and appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

**How did Anita Brookner balance her dual career in literature and academia?**  
Brookner transitioned from a successful academic career in art history to novel writing, publishing her first novel at age 50 while continuing to teach.

## Why They Matter
Anita Brookner's significance lies in her dual legacy as a celebrated novelist and respected art historian. Her novels, marked by nuanced psychological insights, resonated with readers worldwide, while her academic work enriched the study of art history. Her Booker Prize win brought international acclaim, solidifying her position in English literature. Without her contributions, the literary landscape of late 20th-century England would be notably diminished, and her scholarly efforts continue to influence art historical discourse.

## Notable For
- **Booker Prize Winner**: Awarded for *Hotel du Lac* in 1984.
- **Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)**: Recognized for her services to literature.
- **Prolific Novelist**: Authored 24 novels between 1978 and 2013.
- **Academic Excellence**: Held prominent positions at esteemed UK universities, contributing to art history education.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Anita Brookner was born on July 16, 1928, in London, England. She pursued her education at the University of Reading, where she developed a strong foundation in art history, later earning a PhD in the field.

### Academic Career
Brookner's academic career spanned several prestigious institutions. She taught at King's College London, the University of Reading, and the Courtauld Institute of Art. Her expertise in French art history was reflected in her scholarly work, which complemented her teaching responsibilities.

### Literary Career
Brookner began writing novels at the age of 50, publishing her debut, *Look at Me*, in 1978. Her writing career flourished, leading to the publication of 24 novels. The 1984 novel *Hotel du Lac* brought her widespread recognition, winning the Booker Prize that year. Her works often explored themes of solitude, morality, and the human condition, characterized by their introspective style and nuanced character studies.

### Awards and Recognition
In addition to the Booker Prize, Brookner was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her contributions to literature. These honors underscored her dual impact on both literary and academic communities.

### Legacy
Brookner's legacy is twofold. In literature, she is remembered for her profound novels that captured the complexities of human emotions. In academia, her teachings and research in art history left a lasting influence on students and the field. Her ability to excel in two distinct disciplines—novel writing and art history—cements her unique place in British cultural history.

### Death
Anita Brookner passed away on March 10, 2016, at the age of 87, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that continues to be celebrated for its intellectual depth and literary merit.

## References

1. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English
2. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/16/arts/international/anita-brookner-hotel-du-lac-obituary.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fobituaries&action=click&contentCollection=obituaries&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=10&pgtype=sectionfront)
3. [Source](http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/15/anita-brookner-obituary)
4. BnF authorities
5. Integrated Authority File
6. [The Feminist Companion to Literature in English](http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/15/anita-brookner-obituary)
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/15/anita-brookner-obituary)
9. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/fiction/backlist/1984)
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. CiNii Research
13. [Source](https://norman.hrc.utexas.edu/fasearch/findingAid.cfm?eadid=00420)
14. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
15. SNAC
16. FemBio database
17. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
18. Babelio
19. [Source](http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35808651)
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/the-next-big-thing)
22. CONOR.SI
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25. Goodreads
26. Internet Book Database of Fiction
27. [Source](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiarch.php)
28. LIBRIS. 2016
29. Golden