Evelyn Waugh, born Arthur Evelyn St. John Waugh on October 28, 1903, in Hampstead, London, was a prominent British novelist, essayist, and critic. He is often celebrated for his sharp wit, satirical style, and keen observations of British society. Waugh passed away on April 10, 1966, in Combe Florey, Somerset, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary works that continue to be studied and admired.

Waugh was born into a well-educated family; his father was a publisher and his mother a journalist and teacher. He attended Lancing College, a prestigious boarding school, and later studied at Magdalen College, Oxford. His early life was marked by a sense of privilege, but also by personal struggles, including a battle with depression. This tumultuous upbringing would later inform much of his writing, as he explored themes of alienation and the complexities of human relationships.

Waugh's literary career began in the 1920s, with his first novel, "Decline and Fall," published in 1928. This work established his reputation as a satirist, deftly critiquing the British social structure. He continued to gain acclaim with notable works such as "A Handful of Dust," "Brideshead Revisited," and "Sword of Honour," the latter being a trilogy that reflects on the absurdities of war. Waugh's writing is characterized by its dark humor, intricate plots, and memorable characters, making him one of the most significant writers of the 20th century.

In his personal life, Waugh experienced considerable turmoil. He married Evelyn Gardner in 1928, but their marriage was fraught with difficulties, leading to divorce in 1936. He later remarried to Laura Herbert, with whom he had seven children. Waugh’s deep Catholic faith influenced both his life and work, particularly evident in "Brideshead Revisited," which explores themes of spirituality and redemption. Despite his sometimes controversial views, Waugh remains a towering figure in English literature, known for his uncompromising style and profound insights into human nature.