description The Horse's Mouth Overview
Joyce Cary’s *The Horse’s Mouth* chronicles the life of the eccentric painter, Silas Dean. Published in 1944, this English novel offers a sharp comedic portrait of an artist struggling with his work and his relationships during wartime London. It is particularly relevant for readers interested in character-driven narratives exploring artistic temperament and social observation. The book’s protagonist, a fiercely independent and often frustrating figure, provides a unique perspective on the era.
insights Ranking position
The Horse's Mouth ranks #32 of 242 in the Picaresque Novel ranking, behind The Famished Road, ahead of Roxana.
help The Horse's Mouth FAQ
Who wrote the novel "The Horse's Mouth"?
*The Horse’s Mouth* was written by the Anglo-Irish novelist Joyce Cary. Published in 1944, it serves as the final installment in his acclaimed First Trilogy.
Who is the protagonist of "The Horse's Mouth"?
The novel chronicles the chaotic life of Gulley Jimson, an eccentric and somewhat unscrupulous London painter. His struggle with his art, creditors, and relationships forms the core of this comedic portrait.
Was "The Horse's Mouth" adapted into a movie?
Yes, the novel was famously adapted into a 1958 film directed by Ronald Neame. The movie starred Alec Guinness, who also wrote the screenplay and received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Gulley Jimson.
What is the narrative style of "The Horse's Mouth"?
The novel is written in the first person from the perspective of the erratic artist Gulley Jimson. This unreliable, highly energetic narrative style perfectly captures his artistic genius and his disregard for wartime London's social conventions.
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