Maurice Leitch

Maurice Henry Leitch MBE (5 July 1933 – 26 September 2023) was a Northern Irish author. He wrote novels, short stories, dramas, screenplays, and radio and television documentaries. His first novel, The Liberty Lad, was published in 1965.

Leitch's second novel, Poor Lazarus, won the Guardian Fiction Prize in 1969. Another of his books, Silver's City, won the Whitbread Prize in 1981. Before becoming a full-time writer, Leitch taught in primary schools in County Antrim. He later joined BBC Northern Ireland in 1960 as a producer and writer.

In 1970, he moved to London to work in the BBC's Radio drama department. From 1977 to 1989, he was the editor of Radio Four's Book at Bedtime. For his contributions to literature, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 1999 New Year Honours. Leitch passed away at the age of 90 on 26 September 2023.

Life and works – Ireland

Maurice Henry Leitch was born on 5 July 1933 in Muckamore, County Antrim, to Jean and Andrew Leitch. He grew up in Templepatrick, Antrim and went to school at Methodist College Belfast and Stranmillis College.

Leitch began writing while teaching in primary schools in County Antrim, with articles about the local countryside appearing in the Belfast Telegraph. He later joined the BBC in Belfast in 1960, creating radio dramas and documentaries. His first novel, The Liberty Lad, was published in 1965. It described life in a school, a mill that was closing, and a dishonest politician. His second novel, Poor Lazarus, came out in 1969 and won the Guardian Fiction Prize that year.

Life and works – London

When Maurice Leitch joined Radio Drama in London in 1970, it was a very important place for culture. At that time, it included many different kinds of stories, from everyday soaps to serious plays by famous writers like Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter. Leitch worked with many great writers and helped bring their stories to the radio.

Leitch’s novel Tell Me About It from 2007 tells the story of a young Irish producer in the 1960s who recorded stories in the streets of London. While his books are very important, his work in radio also helped him earn a special award called an MBE. He produced plays by James Follett and turned Seán O'Casey’s autobiography into a drama. He also helped many famous writers share their work on the radio and introduced new writers too. Even later in life, he continued to bring stories to listeners, including over 30 readings of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels.

Publications 1975–1994

Maurice Leitch’s third novel, Stamping Ground (1975), returned to Ulster with a darker tone. The book explores tough themes and was noted for its strong storytelling.

In 1981, Leitch won the Whitbread Prize for his novel Silver's City, which looks at difficult times in Northern Ireland. In 1987, his novella Chinese Whispers was made into a BBC film, and he also published a collection of short stories called The Hands of Cheryl Boyd and other stories.

In 1989, Leitch wrote Burning Bridges, a story about two friends from Ulster who travel to England. In 1994, he published Gilchrist, which was praised for its strong style and deep character exploration.

Publications 1995–2007

Maurice Leitch published several important works between 1995 and 2007. In 1995, his short story "Green Roads" was included in a collection called The Hurt World: Short Stories of the Troubles. His next novel, The Smoke King, came out in 1998. This book is set in Northern Ireland during World War II, when American soldiers were stationed there. It tells the story of an American soldier who becomes involved in a serious event and must hide with the help of a local woman.

In 2001, Leitch published The Eggman's Apprentice, which was praised for its vivid characters and style. Finally, in 2007, he released Tell Me About It, a novel that was first published as an audiobook. This book is a funny and imaginative story set in the world of 1960s BBC radio, following two characters as they search for interesting stories to share.

Publications 2009–2023

Dining at the Dunbar, a collection of seven short stories, was published by Lagan Press in Belfast in 2009. The stories explore different moods and themes. One story, The Valet's Room, looks at a difficult subject through the eyes of its characters.

Leitch's next book, A Far Cry (2013), was also published by Lagan Press. The story is set in Bristol, England, but shadows of Northern Ireland appear in the night.

In 2013, Leitch published another novel called Seeking Mr Hare. This book continues from real events in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1828. It tells the story of a man trying to escape his troubled past. The novel brings to life the adventures and challenges of that time in history.

Published works

Maurice Leitch wrote many books during his life. His first novel was called The Liberty Lad, published in 1965. Some of his other well-known works include Silver's City, Chinese Whispers, and Gone to Earth. He also wrote short stories and other types of books.

BBC television plays and screenplays

Further television

Maurice Leitch wrote and presented several television programs. In 1967, he worked on Travellers' Tales: Dead Peaks of the Dolomites for BBC One. This show explored Europe's famous climbing area, which inspired artists and writers like Titian and Dante.

In 1990, Leitch also contributed to Hidden Ground: Part Three on BBC Two. In this program, he shared stories about the Protestant community in Six Mile Valley, County Antrim, where he grew up. The episode was produced by Bill Miskelly.

Radio plays

Further radio

Maurice Leitch worked on many interesting radio shows. One show featured Sir Tyrone Guthrie talking about the Bible just before he passed away in 1971. Other shows included books like Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John Le Carré, and The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien, all produced by Leitch for Radio 4. He also helped produce shows like Mother Ireland by Edna O'Brien and Novel on Yellow Paper by Stevie Smith.