West, Morris (1916-1999), an Australian author, gained an international reputation through his more than 20 novels, which have been published in 27 languages. Many have also been made into successful motion pictures.
Morris Langlo West was born on April 26, 1916, in Melbourne, and was educated at the Christian Brothers’ College and the universities of Melbourne and Tasmania. He wrote his first novel, Moon in My Pocket, under a pseudonym while serving in the Army during World War II (1939-1945). After the war, West worked as publicity manager with a newspaper chain. He then set up his own production unit and spent 10 years successfully producing radio serials and dramas. After selling the production unit, he turned to full-time writing.
In 1955, West moved to Sorrento, Italy, where he wrote a nonfiction book, Children of the Sun (1957, published in the United States as Children of the Shadows). This book earned him international recognition. It follows the work of the Roman Catholic priest Mario Borrelli among poor children in Naples.
The Devil’s Advocate was published in 1959. It deals with the problems of Roman Catholic doctrine in the modern world. The novel received great critical acclaim, and in 1960 it won the National Brotherhood Award, National Council of Christians and Jews; the James Tait Black Memorial Prize; and the RSL Heinemann Award. The novel was made into a popular motion picture. The Shoes of the Fisherman (1963), the story of the problems of a man who is elected pope, was also the basis for a movie. Other works that later appeared as plays and films include The Second Victory (1958), Daughter of Silence (1961), and The World Is Made of Glass (1983). The Clowns of God was awarded the Universe Literary Prize in 1981.
West concentrated on themes of topical and international relevance. The Ambassador (1965) was the story of a conscience-stricken U.S. ambassador in South Vietnam. Cassidy (1986) examined a corrupt Australian politician. West’s other books include Gallows on the Sand (1955), Kundu (1956), The Big Story (1957), Summer of the Red Wolf (1971), The Salamander (1973), Harlequin (1974), The Navigator (1976), and Proteus (1979). He died on Oct. 9, 1999.
