Muriel Spark published her debut novel, 1957’s The Comforters, at the age of 39 — a fact that makes great evidence for the claim that things get better with age. By then, Spark had already established herself as a critic and editor at Poetry Review, but it was through her 20-plus novels that she became recognized as one of the great writers of the 20th century.
Although most writers would envy that legacy, Spark’s nonfiction has been been largely overlooked for far too long, despite the fact that she kept writing it throughout her life. Thankfully, that problem will be rectified this month with New Directions‘ publication of her essay collection, The Informed Air.
The publisher will also reissue several of Spark’s novels, hopefully kicking off a well-deserved revival of interest in her writing — one that we’re hoping to encourage by making her this month’s Author Club pick. Watch this space for essays on The Informed Air, as well as Spark’s novels The Bachelors, The Driver’s Seat, and Loitering With Intent in the coming weeks. Also be sure to weigh in with comments, and keep a lookout for upcoming giveaways on our Twitter.