We were saddened to hear of the death, on 17 November 2023, of novelist, critic and poet, Dame A.S. Byatt.

Antonia wrote prolifically throughout her life and came to international acclaim with her 1990 Booker Prize winning novel, Possession. Her 1995 short story, ‘The Djinn In The Nightingale’s Eye’, inspired the film Three Thousand Years of Longing, starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton.

She was appointed CBE 1990 and was made a dame in 1999.

Antonia was a longstanding member of 56 years, with close ties to the Society of Authors, serving as Chair of the Management Committee from 1986 to 1988. She judged our Betty Trask Prize in 1985. Her involvement with the SoA continued as a lifetime Fellow, formerly referred to as the Council.

Antonia was hugely generous in her support of fellow authors, particularly younger and emerging authors. The SoA is very grateful for her support and service. We send our condolences to her family. 

SoA Chief Executive, Nicola Solomon