Early Life:
– Born in Lancashire, England
– Son of Joyce and Ken Booth, with Ken being a Royal Navy civil servant
– Moved to Hong Kong in May 1952
– Explored Hong Kong streets alone as a child
– Attended various schools in Hong Kong and London
Career:
– Worked as a truck driver, legal clerk, wine steward, and English teacher in England
– Served as Poetry Editor of Fuller dArch Smith
– Established himself as a poet and publisher
– Transitioned to writing fiction in the late 1970s
– Several works linked to British imperial past in China and Central Asia
Notable Works:
– Published successful novel “Hiroshima Joe” in 1985
– Wrote about Jim Corbett, a big-game hunter
– Novel “Industry of Souls” shortlisted for 1998 Booker Prize
– “A Very Private Gentleman” adapted into film “The American” starring George Clooney
– Completed memoir “Gweilo” shortly before passing away in 2004
Legacy:
– Film adaptation of his work starring George Clooney
– Various articles and reviews about his life and works
– Remembered for his contributions to literature and poetry
– Influence of his travels and observations on his writing
– Continued interest in his works posthumously
Personal Life:
– Experienced a challenging relationship between his parents
– Recalled exploring Hong Kong alone as a child
– Learned Cantonese with his mother
– Studied science at Trent Park College of Education
– Expressed enthusiasm for flying and wildlife observation
Martin Booth (7 September 1944 – 12 February 2004) was an English novelist and poet. He also worked as a teacher and screenwriter, and was the founder of the Sceptre Press.
Martin Booth | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 7 September 1944 Lancashire, England, United Kingdom |
| Died | 12 February 2004 (aged 59) Stoodleigh, Devon, England, United Kingdom |
| Education | Middlesex University |
| Years active | 1967–2004 |