# Doris Lessing

> British novelist, poet, playwright, librettist, biographer, and short story writer (1919–2013)

**Wikidata**: [Q40874](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q40874)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_Lessing)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/doris-lessing

## Summary
Doris Lessing was a British novelist, poet, playwright, librettist, biographer, and short story writer (1919–2013). She is best known for her groundbreaking works in feminist literature and political fiction, including *The Golden Notebook* and *The Grass Is Singing*, which won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007.

## Biography
- Born: October 22, 1919, in Kermanshah, Persia (now Iran)
- Nationality: British
- Education: Studied at the University of London and the Sorbonne
- Known for: Pioneering feminist and political fiction, including *The Golden Notebook* and *The Grass Is Singing*
- Employer(s): Member of the Modern Language Association, Royal Society of Literature, and Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts
- Field(s): Literature, poetry, drama, and political commentary

## Contributions
Doris Lessing published numerous influential works, including:
- *The Grass Is Singing* (1951), a novel that explores colonialism and gender roles in Africa.
- *The Golden Notebook* (1962), a feminist novel that examines the psychological and emotional struggles of women.
- *The Good Terrorist* (1985), a political novel that critiques authoritarianism and the role of the individual in society.
- *The Cleft* (2007), a novel that delves into the complexities of identity and belonging.
- *The Memoirs of a Survivor* (1974), a semi-autobiographical novel that reflects on her experiences during World War II.

## FAQs
**What is Doris Lessing known for?**
Doris Lessing is known for her groundbreaking contributions to feminist literature and political fiction. Her works, such as *The Golden Notebook* and *The Grass Is Singing*, have had a profound impact on the literary world and continue to be studied and celebrated today.

**Where did Doris Lessing work?**
Doris Lessing was a member of several prestigious literary organizations, including the Modern Language Association, the Royal Society of Literature, and the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts. These affiliations helped her establish herself as a leading voice in the literary community.

**What awards did Doris Lessing receive?**
Doris Lessing received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007, the Somerset Maugham Award, the WH Smith Literary Award, and the Grinzane Cavour Prize. These accolades recognized her significant contributions to literature.

**What is the significance of Doris Lessing's work?**
Doris Lessing's work is significant for its exploration of feminist themes, political commentary, and social issues. Her novels have been widely studied and adapted, and she is often cited as a pioneer in contemporary literature.

## Why They Matter
Doris Lessing's work has had a lasting impact on literature and society. Her novels, such as *The Golden Notebook* and *The Grass Is Singing*, have been instrumental in shaping discussions about gender, politics, and colonialism. Lessing's ability to blend personal experience with broader social and political themes has made her a pivotal figure in modern literature. Her contributions have influenced generations of writers and continue to be celebrated for their depth and insight.

## Notable For
- Winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007, the highest honor in literature.
- Pioneering feminist and political fiction with works like *The Golden Notebook* and *The Grass Is Singing*.
- Being a member of prestigious literary organizations, including the Modern Language Association and the Royal Society of Literature.
- Receiving numerous literary awards, including the Somerset Maugham Award and the WH Smith Literary Award.
- Contributing to the literary world with a diverse range of works, including novels, poetry, and plays.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Doris Lessing was born on October 22, 1919, in Kermanshah, Persia (now Iran). She was the daughter of British parents and spent her early years in Persia before moving to England. Lessing studied at the University of London and later at the Sorbonne, where she pursued her passion for literature and writing.

### Literary Career
Doris Lessing began her literary career in the 1950s, publishing her first novel, *The Grass Is Singing*, in 1951. This novel, set in colonial Africa, explored themes of colonialism, gender roles, and the struggle for independence. Lessing's work quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to storytelling and its exploration of complex social issues.

### Notable Works
Lessing's most notable works include:
- *The Golden Notebook* (1962), a feminist novel that examines the psychological and emotional struggles of women.
- *The Good Terrorist* (1985), a political novel that critiques authoritarianism and the role of the individual in society.
- *The Cleft* (2007), a novel that delves into the complexities of identity and belonging.
- *The Memoirs of a Survivor* (1974), a semi-autobiographical novel that reflects on her experiences during World War II.

### Awards and Recognition
Doris Lessing received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including:
- The Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007, the highest honor in literature.
- The Somerset Maugham Award, the WH Smith Literary Award, and the Grinzane Cavour Prize.
- Membership in prestigious literary organizations, including the Modern Language Association, the Royal Society of Literature, and the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts.

### Influence and Legacy
Doris Lessing's work has had a profound impact on literature and society. Her novels have been widely studied and adapted, and she is often cited as a pioneer in contemporary literature. Lessing's ability to blend personal experience with broader social and political themes has made her a pivotal figure in modern literature. Her contributions have influenced generations of writers and continue to be celebrated for their depth and insight.

## References

1. Catalog of the German National Library
2. Find a Grave
3. BnF authorities
4. Dictionary of African Biography
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Concise Literary Encyclopedia
7. The Fine Art Archive
8. [Source](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/2007/lessing-facts.html)
9. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
10. [Source](https://societyofauthors.org/prizes/the-soa-awards/somerset-maugham-awards/)
11. Who's Who
12. [Source](http://davidcohenprize.com/winners/)
13. [Source](http://web.gencat.cat/ca/generalitat/premis/pic/)
14. [Source](https://www.gd.no/kultur/forst-budeie-sa-nobelprisvinner/s/1-934610-3052350)
15. [Source](https://www.kunstkultur.bka.gv.at/staatspreis-fur-europaische-literatur)
16. [Source](https://www5.open.ac.uk/students/ceremonies/sites/www.open.ac.uk.students.ceremonies/files/files/Honorary%20graduate%20cumulative%20list(7).xlsx)
17. International Standard Name Identifier
18. CiNii Research
19. MusicBrainz
20. List of 2011 MLA Members
21. [Doris Lessing Archive](https://portal.uea.ac.uk/library/archives/bacw/lessing)
22. [Source](https://norman.hrc.utexas.edu/fasearch/findingAid.cfm?eadid=01144)
23. [Source](https://archivecollections.uea.ac.uk/dl)
24. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
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26. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
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28. NooSFere
29. FemBio database
30. [Brockhaus Enzyklopädie](https://brockhaus.de/ecs/julex/article/lessing-doris-may)
31. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
32. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
33. Babelio
34. Munzinger Personen
35. Third World Women's Literatures
36. [Doris Lessing dies aged 94](http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/nov/17/doris-lessing-dies-94)
37. Nationalencyklopedin
38. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
39. Czech National Authority Database
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42. Olympedia – Simon Lessing. Olympedia
43. [Source](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-476-03702-2_210)
44. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/the-sirian-experiments)
45. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/briefing-for-a-descent-into-hell)
46. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/the-good-terrorist)
47. CONOR.SI
48. Autoritats UB
49. BBC Things
50. LIBRIS. 2014