Lieutenant Commander Nicholas John Turney Monsarrat FRSL RNVR (22 March 1910 – 8 August 1979) was a distinguished British novelist, primarily renowned for his sea stories, most notably “The Cruel Sea” (1951) and “Three Corvettes” (1942–45). He is also internationally recognized for his novels “The Tribe That Lost Its Head” and its sequel, “Richer Than All His Tribe.”
Monsarrat was born in Liverpool, Lancashire, into a family with notable backgrounds in surgery and law. He was educated at Winchester College and Trinity College, Cambridge. His interest in politics and socio-economic issues was sparked by the 1931 Invergordon Naval Mutiny. Though he initially aimed for a legal career, Monsarrat chose to pursue writing, moving to London and working as a freelancer for newspapers. He authored four novels and a play from 1934 to 1939.
Despite his critical view of military violence, Monsarrat served in World War II, first in an ambulance brigade and then in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR). His sailing expertise made him a competent naval officer, serving in various corvettes and frigates. After resigning his wartime commission in 1946, he joined the diplomatic service with posts in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Ottawa, Canada. He eventually settled down to write full-time, living in Guernsey and later on the Maltese island of Gozo.
Career Highlights:
Monsarrat’s early works tackled modern social issues, but it was his wartime experiences that informed his most acclaimed works. “The Cruel Sea,” his first postwar novel, is a vivid depiction of naval life during WWII. His other notable works include “HMS Marlborough Will Enter Harbour” and “The Ship That Died of Shame.” His novels “The Tribe That Lost Its Head” and “Richer Than All His Tribe” reflect his diplomatic experiences.
Monsarrat also wrote autobiographical works, “Life is a Four Letter Word: Breaking In” and “Life is a Four Letter Word: Breaking Out,” which provide insights into his life and experiences.
Monsarrat died of cancer in 1979 in London. Fulfilling his wish, the Royal Navy conducted his burial at sea. His literary contributions, especially his vivid portrayal of naval life and the human aspect of warfare,
have left a lasting impact on the genre of war literature. Monsarrat’s ability to weave compelling narratives, often based on his personal experiences in the navy, gave a unique authenticity and depth to his works. His novels not only entertained but also provided profound insights into the complexities and challenges of naval warfare and life at sea during tumultuous times.
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1956: The Tribe that Lost Its Head, by Nicholas Montsarrat, Fourth Printing
$95.00The Tribe that Lost Its Head by Nicholas Montsarrat is a novel that explores the conflict between colonialism and traditional ways of life in Africa. The story takes place in the fictional African country of Northlandia, where a tribe called the Wariri is facing the threat of losing their land to a British mining company. The novel follows the story of John Denson, a British administrator who is sent to Northlandia to negotiate with the Wariri and convince them to sell their land. However, Denson soon realizes that the Wariri are not willing to give up their land and their way of life without a fight. As tensions rise between the British and the Wariri, Denson must navigate a complex web of cultural differences, political intrigue, and personal relationships to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Montsarrat’s novel is a powerful commentary on the destructive impact of colonialism on traditional societies and the struggle for independence that characterized many African countries in the mid-twentieth century. Through vivid descriptions of the Wariri’s customs and beliefs, Montsarrat shows the reader the richness and complexity of African cultures that were often overlooked or dismissed by colonial powers.