E. M. Forster

●Brief biography

E. M. Forster was born on 1 January 1879 in London, to parents Edward Morgan Llewellyn Forster and Alice Clara ("Lily") Whichelo. Actually, he had been originally named Henry Morgan (after his late paternal uncle, Henry Thornton Forster), but was accidentally baptized as Edward Morgan, after his father. Imagine...he might have been named Henry! "Only connect" indeed.

Edward (the father), who had become ill soon after his son's birth, died a little over a year and a half later of consumption, ultimately leaving Forster to be brought up by two women: his mother Lily and his paternal great-aunt Marianne Thornton. Forster spent his early childhood years (1883 to 1893) at Rooksnest, which he grew to love dearly. Rooksnest was the house that would later provide the inspiration for an estate in one of his novels -- a house called Howards End.

Forster's life was one of studies and travels. He attended Tonbridge School, and throughout his life remained connected with King's College, Cambridge, even after he graduated (he became a Fellow and lived on college grounds in his later years). He travelled to Italy, Germany, Egypt and India, becoming very acquainted with India in particular. These travels provided many of the settings and situations for his novels and stories.

Queen Elizabeth II awarded Forster with membership in the Order of Companions of Honour in 1953, and on 1 January 1969 (his ninetieth birthday) he received the Order of Merit. With failing health in old age, he experienced a number of strokes toward the end of his life.

Forster died on 7 June 1970, at the Coventry home of his good friends Bob and May Buckingham, where he wished to spend his last moments. His ashes were scattered over the Buckinghams' rose garden.

“Only Connect” Who is E.M. Forster? 27.October.2008

Created 6 November 1995. Last modified 16 December 2002, 20:43 PST
'Only Connect': The Unofficial E. M. Forster Site URL:<http://www.musicandmeaning.com/forster/whois.html>

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Academic year 2008/2009
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