Menu
13/12/2006
Bryson receives honorary OBE
Bestselling author Bill Bryson has received an honorary Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell for his contribution to literature.
Bill Bryson published his first book in 1985 and is best known for his extensive travel writings, including 'Notes on a Big Country' and 'A Walk in the Woods'.
In 2003, as part of World Book Day, voters in the UK chose Bryson's book 'Notes on a Small Island' as that which best describes British identity and the state of the nation.
As well as his travel memoirs, Bryson has also written two books on the history of the English language and a general science guide called 'A Short History of Nearly Everything'.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Bryson first came to Britain in the early 1970s as part of a backpacking tour of Europe. He returned in 1975 and settled in Yorkshire with his family.
He worked as a journalist until 1987, for both 'The Times' and 'The Independent’, becoming copy editor for The Times' business section and deputy business news editor for the Independent.
After moving back to the US in 1995, the Bill, his wife Cynthia and their four children returned to Britain in 2003 and currently live in Wymondham in Norfolk.
Besides writing, Bryson is currently a Commissioner for English Heritage and in 2005 succeeded the late Peter Ustinov as Chancellor of Durham University.
Commenting on the honorary OBE, Ms Jowell said: "Bill Bryson is one of Britain's most popular and best loved authors. Despite having been born and raised in the US, he has become a true British institution. He has not only delighted the British public with his witty and insightful writing, but educated and informed them as well."
Mr Bryson, attending the ceremony with his wife Cynthia, said: "I am surprised and very grateful to receive an honorary Order of the British Empire. It is a great honour."
Bryson's latest book, 'The Life and Times of The Thunderbolt Kid', is all about his upbringing in 1950s America
(KMcA)
Bill Bryson published his first book in 1985 and is best known for his extensive travel writings, including 'Notes on a Big Country' and 'A Walk in the Woods'.
In 2003, as part of World Book Day, voters in the UK chose Bryson's book 'Notes on a Small Island' as that which best describes British identity and the state of the nation.
As well as his travel memoirs, Bryson has also written two books on the history of the English language and a general science guide called 'A Short History of Nearly Everything'.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Bryson first came to Britain in the early 1970s as part of a backpacking tour of Europe. He returned in 1975 and settled in Yorkshire with his family.
He worked as a journalist until 1987, for both 'The Times' and 'The Independent’, becoming copy editor for The Times' business section and deputy business news editor for the Independent.
After moving back to the US in 1995, the Bill, his wife Cynthia and their four children returned to Britain in 2003 and currently live in Wymondham in Norfolk.
Besides writing, Bryson is currently a Commissioner for English Heritage and in 2005 succeeded the late Peter Ustinov as Chancellor of Durham University.
Commenting on the honorary OBE, Ms Jowell said: "Bill Bryson is one of Britain's most popular and best loved authors. Despite having been born and raised in the US, he has become a true British institution. He has not only delighted the British public with his witty and insightful writing, but educated and informed them as well."
Mr Bryson, attending the ceremony with his wife Cynthia, said: "I am surprised and very grateful to receive an honorary Order of the British Empire. It is a great honour."
Bryson's latest book, 'The Life and Times of The Thunderbolt Kid', is all about his upbringing in 1950s America
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 February 2007
Proposals to change school curriculum announced
The curriculum watchdog has proposed a series of changes to the school curriculum in England and Wales. The changes, recommended by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, aim to offer pupils aged between 11 and 14 skills and languages that are more relevant to everyday life, while still retaining core elements of the National Curriculum.
Proposals to change school curriculum announced
The curriculum watchdog has proposed a series of changes to the school curriculum in England and Wales. The changes, recommended by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, aim to offer pupils aged between 11 and 14 skills and languages that are more relevant to everyday life, while still retaining core elements of the National Curriculum.
21 July 2008
British Tourist Drowns At Philippine Waterfall
A British tourist has drowned after being swept away by a strong current at a tourist spot in the Philippines. Richard Kidd, 56, from Gateshead, died on Saturday while swimming at Dunsulan Falls near Bataan, west of the capital, Manila.
British Tourist Drowns At Philippine Waterfall
A British tourist has drowned after being swept away by a strong current at a tourist spot in the Philippines. Richard Kidd, 56, from Gateshead, died on Saturday while swimming at Dunsulan Falls near Bataan, west of the capital, Manila.
12 November 2007
Man Jailed For Life For Lesley Molseed Murder
A 54-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of schoolgirl Lesley Molseed in 1975. Comic book dealer Ronald Castree, of Brandon Crescent, Oldham was found guilty of the 11-year-old's murder. He had denied the charge. He was jailed for life at Bradford Crown Court and told that he would have to serve a minimum of 30 years years in prison.
Man Jailed For Life For Lesley Molseed Murder
A 54-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of schoolgirl Lesley Molseed in 1975. Comic book dealer Ronald Castree, of Brandon Crescent, Oldham was found guilty of the 11-year-old's murder. He had denied the charge. He was jailed for life at Bradford Crown Court and told that he would have to serve a minimum of 30 years years in prison.
19 January 2006
Fathers 4 Justice disbands on kidnap plot allegations
Fathers 4 Justice is to disband, following reports linking the fathers' rights group to a plot to kidnap Prime Minister Tony Blair's youngest son.
Fathers 4 Justice disbands on kidnap plot allegations
Fathers 4 Justice is to disband, following reports linking the fathers' rights group to a plot to kidnap Prime Minister Tony Blair's youngest son.
26 March 2004
'Delight' at rescue of British cavers
The government has spoken of its "delight" at the rescue of six British cavers who became trapped in a flooded underground system in Mexico. The six men, five of whom are believed to belong to the British armed forces, became trapped on March 17 after rains raised the water level in the cave, cutting off their exit.
'Delight' at rescue of British cavers
The government has spoken of its "delight" at the rescue of six British cavers who became trapped in a flooded underground system in Mexico. The six men, five of whom are believed to belong to the British armed forces, became trapped on March 17 after rains raised the water level in the cave, cutting off their exit.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
