Originally published September 2022.
We continue with the next instalment in the series on Nobel laureate authors, some of whom may not stand the test of time.
As the first president of CND, imprisoned several times for his outspoken views on war, married four times, the 3rd Earl Russell is a colourful and controversial figure in the Nobel listings. His output in all forms of works was astonishing, writing 3,000 words a day from his early youth. He excelled in such a range of interests across ethics, philosophy, mathematics and theology that it is unsurprising that his 1950 citation was, “In recognition of his varied and significant writings in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought”.
“Prepared to confront the evils of war with relentless logic and searing philosophy made him both popular and deeply unpopular”
