Rebecca West

Rebecca West (1892–1983) was a British-Irish author, journalist, and literary critic, born Cicely Isabel Fairfield. She adopted the pen name “Rebecca West” early in her career and became known for incisive political and cultural commentary as well as ambitious nonfiction. West wrote novels, essays, and reportage, combining sharp analysis with vivid narrative. Her best-known works include the novel *The Return of the Soldier* (1918) and the monumental travel and historical study *Black Lamb and Grey Falcon* (1941), based on journeys in Yugoslavia. Across decades of writing, she addressed war, nationalism, justice, and the complexities of modern Europe.