Aldous Huxley

Eric Blair was born to Maria Nys.

Aldous Leonard Huxley's mother Julia Arnold died when he was 14 years old, leaving him to be raised by his father and other relatives.

Huxley volunteered for the British Army in January but was rejected on health grounds due to contracting keratitis punctata, an eye disease that left him 'practically blind' for two to three years.

Huxley edited Oxford Poetry and graduated with first class honours from Balliol College, Oxford in June, marking a significant academic achievement.

John Middleton Murry reorganized the Athenaeum staff, inviting Huxley to join.

Huxley married Maria Nys on July 10th in a private ceremony in London. The marriage was a union of convenience, and they had no children together.

Huxley lived with his wife Maria in Italy, visiting friend D. H. Lawrence.

Huxley's skepticism of religion developed as he began questioning the traditional Christian teachings that shaped his upbringing, leading to a lifelong exploration of alternative spiritual paths.

On April 19th, Matthew Huxley, the son of Aldous Huxley and Maria Nys, was born at the family home in London. The birth marked a significant milestone in the life of the young couple.

Crome Yellow was published, a novel caricaturing the Garsington lifestyle.

In London, Gerald Heard introduced Huxley to various ideas and spiritual methods.

D. H. Lawrence died in Provence.

Brave New World was published, showcasing Huxley's dystopian vision of future society and cementing his reputation as a prominent literary figure.

Huxley edited Lawrence's letters after his death.

In response to growing political frustrations, Huxley wrote a letter expressing his frustration with politics and the societal norms that governed his life at the time.

Ends and Means was published, a non-fiction work on pacifist issues.

Aldous Huxley moved to Hollywood with his family, leaving Taos, New Mexico behind in search of new opportunities.

Huxley befriended Jiddu Krishnamurti, a spiritual teacher and philosopher who would later become an influential figure in Huxley's life.

Aldous Huxley's novel 'After Many a Summer' won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction, recognizing his literary achievements.

Huxley relocated from Hollywood to a ranch in Llano, California, where he experienced reported improvements in eyesight using the Bates method and attempted driving without glasses for the first time.

The Perennial Philosophy was published, demonstrating Huxley's philosophical interests in mysticism and universalism, which would continue to shape his work throughout his life.

Huxley initiated a correspondence with Doctor Humphry Osmond, which led to his first mescaline experience.

The Doors of Perception was published, exploring themes of perception, reality, and the nature of human experience, highlighting Huxley's fascination with philosophical and mystical ideas.

Maria Nys (Huxley's wife) died.

Maria Nys, the wife of Aldous Huxley, passed away on February 12th due to illness. Her death was a devastating blow to the family and close friends.

Aldous Huxley married Laura Archera in a private ceremony, marking his second marriage. The union brought new joy and companionship into his life.

Huxley conducted a televised interview with journalist Mike Wallace, discussing concerns about overpopulation and its implications on society, in an effort to raise awareness about the issues of his time.

Professor Huston Smith invited Huxley to be the Carnegie Visiting professor of humanities at MIT, providing him with a platform to share his thoughts on modern problems and promote critical thinking in the academic community.

Huxley was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, which would eventually affect his health for several years. Despite the diagnosis, he continued to work on his writing projects.

Huxley was elected Companion of Literature by the Royal Society of Literature, a prestigious honor recognizing his contributions to literature and society.

Huxley wrote a letter to his brother Julian, summarizing a paper he had presented in Santa Barbara, which reflected his growing interest in Vedanta philosophy and its relevance to contemporary issues.

As his health declined steadily due to oral cancer, Huxley's condition worsened over three years following his diagnosis in 1960. He was unable to attend a banquet and lecture at Somerset House, London, in June of that year.

On November 22nd, Aldous Huxley passed away at the age of 69 due to complications from cancer. His death marked the end of an era for literature and a loss for his loved ones.

Aldous Huxley's memorial service took place in London, led by his elder brother Julian, as a tribute to the renowned author and philosopher after his passing on November 22, 1963.

Variations: Aldous Huxley in memoriam began being worked on by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky, marking the beginning of a musical tribute to honor the life and legacy of Aldous Huxley.