Literary Critic John Carey Dies at 91: A Scythe in Hand

Literary critic, essayist, and academic John Carey, who died at 91, was a towering figure in literary journalism and academia for over four decades. As an Oxford don and Merton professor for 25 years, he paralleled his academic career with a half-century-long association with the Sunday Times, earning a reputation for his erudite and combative critiques.

Carey's critical approach was famously direct, often taking on established literary figures and movements. He actively opposed what he saw as elitism, particularly within the Bloomsbury group, and sought to make literature accessible to a wider audience. His sharp prose could dismantle arguments with precision, as noted by Clive James, who recalled Carey's incisive critiques.

His academic work included groundbreaking studies on Dickens and Thackeray, alongside biographies and anthologies. Carey's influential book, "The Intellectuals and the Masses," explored his ongoing critique of cultural gatekeepers. Despite his sometimes formidable critical persona, he was also deeply admired by students and fellow critics for his intellect and dedication to literature.