The Battle of Pollocks Crossing

J. L. Carr was born in Yorkshire in 1912.  He was a teacher, cricket enthusiast, RAF Officer, lover of old churches, headmaster and latterly a publisher of novels, myriad small books and enigmatic maps from the back-bedroom of his house in Kettering. 

He started writing full-time relatively late in life, at the age of 55. In 1967, having already written two novels, Carr retired from his job as a teacher to devote himself to writing. His novel A Month in the Country won the Guardian Fiction Prize, was shortlisted for the 1980 Booker Prize, and was made into a memorable film.

He has been described as a master of understated prose and poignant storytelling. Perfect for readers who appreciate Alan Bennett or Penelope Fitzgerald.