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. He grew up in Templepatrick, Antrim and went to school at Methodist College Belfast and Stranmillis College.

Leitch started writing while teaching in schools in County Antrim. His articles about the local countryside were published in the Belfast Telegraph. In 1960, he joined the BBC in Belfast, where he made radio dramas and documentaries. His first novel, The Liberty Lad, came out in 1965. It was about life in a school, a mill that was closing, and a dishonest politician. His second novel, Poor Lazarus, was published in 1969 and won the Guardian Fiction Prize that year.

Life and works – London

Maurice Leitch joined Radio Drama in London in 1970. This was an important time for culture there. Radio Drama had many 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 share their stories on the radio.

His novel Tell Me About It from 2007 is about a young Irish producer in the 1960s who recorded stories in London’s streets. Leitch’s books are very important. His radio work earned him a special award called an MBE. He produced plays by James Follett and turned Seán O'Casey’s autobiography into a drama. He helped many famous writers share their work on the radio and introduced new writers too. Later in life, he continued to share stories, 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 wrote several important books between 1995 and 2007. In 1995, his short story "Green Roads" was part of a book 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 there. It tells about an American soldier who finds himself in a difficult situation and needs help to stay safe.

In 2001, Leitch published The Eggman's Apprentice, which people liked for its lively characters and style. Finally, in 2007, he released Tell Me About It, which was first published as an audiobook. This is a fun and creative story set in 1960s BBC radio, following two characters as they look 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.

Leitch's next book, A Far Cry (2013), was also published by Lagan Press. The story is set in Bristol, England.

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.

Published works

Maurice Leitch wrote many books. His first novel was The Liberty Lad, published in 1965. Some of his other well-known books are Silver's City, Chinese Whispers, and Gone to Earth. He also wrote short stories and other 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 looked at a famous climbing area in Europe that inspired artists and writers.

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

Radio plays

Maurice Leitch wrote many radio plays. These stories were told on the radio and enjoyed by many listeners. His work showed his talent and creativity in storytelling.

Further radio

Maurice Leitch worked on many interesting radio shows. One show had Sir Tyrone Guthrie talking about the Bible. 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. He helped make shows like Mother Ireland by Edna O'Brien and Novel on Yellow Paper by Stevie Smith.