Occupation Academic and author Nationality British | Name Gorley Putt Role Author | |
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Born 9 June 1913
Brixham, Devon, England ( 1913-06-09 ) Alma mater Christ's College, Cambridge and Yale University Period Mid- to Late-twentieth century Subject English language and literature Notable works A Reader's Guide to Henry James (1966)
A Preface to Henry James (1986) Died April 24, 1995, Oakington, United Kingdom Books Henry James: A Reader's Guide, The golden age of English drama, Wings of a Man's Life, A preface to Henry James Education Yale University, Christ's College, Cambridge | ||
Samuel Gorley Putt (9 June 1913 – 24 April 1995), was a British academic, author and stood as a Liberal Party candidate, but failed to win a seat, at the 1945 General Election. He actively discouraged people from using his first name, Samuel, and was known as simply Gorley Putt.
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Background
He was the son of Poole Putt and Ellen Blake Gorley of Brixham, Devon. His father had been killed during the later part of the First World War when his ship was torpedoed. He was educated at Torquay Grammar School and won a scholarship to Christ's College, Cambridge where he received a First Class Honours in both parts of the English tripos. In 1934, with assistance from the Commonwealth Fund Fellowship he attended Yale University where he obtained his first MA. Putt's View from Atlantis released in 1955 recollected his experiences in America.
Professional career
1st Class English Tripos Pts I and II, MA 1937, Cambridge; Commonwealth Fund Fellow, MA 1936, Yale. BBC Talks Dept, 1936–38; Warden and Sec., Appts Cttee, Queen’s Univ. of Belfast, 1939–40; RNVR, 1940–46, Lieut-Comdr; Warden and Tutor to Overseas Students and Director International Summer School, Univ. Coll., Exeter, 1946–49; Warden of Harkness House, 1949–68 and Director, Div. of International Fellowships, The Commonwealth Fund, 1966–68. Chm., 1964–72, Vice-Pres., 1972–78, English Assoc. Visiting Professor: Univ. of Massachusetts, 1968; Univ. of the South, Sewanee, 1976; Univ. of Pisa, 1979; Texas Christian Univ., 1985. Member: English-Speaking Union, London Cttee, 1952–57; UK-US Educational Commn: Travel Grants Cttee, 1955–64; Cttee of Management, Inst. of US Studies, London Univ., 1965–69. FRSL 1952. Cavaliere, Order of Merit of Italy, 1980 In 1968 he became a Fellow, of Christ’s College, Cambridge; Senior Tutor from 1968–78 and Praelector from 1976–80.
Political career
He was Liberal candidate for his home constituency, the Torquay Division of Devon at the 1945 General Election.
He did not stand for parliament again. In 1966 he was awarded the OBE.