Anthony Burgess is considered by many to be one of Britain's leading living writers. He was born in 1917 in Manchester and began his education at Xavier College, after which he graduated from the University of Manchester, where he received a doctorate. Burges served in the army from 1940 to 1946, and from 1954 to 1960 he worked in the colonial education departments of Malaysia and Borneo. It was in 1960 that he decided to devote himself entirely to literature. Today, Burgess has more than 50 books to his name, including novels, works of other literary genres, translations, books for children and poetry. He was an adjunct faculty member at Princeton University and served as Professor Emeritus at City College of New York. The President of France awarded him the title of Commander of Arts and Letters, and Prince Rainier of Monaco awarded him the title of Commander for his services in the field of culture. Burges is married to Countess Pasi della Pergola.