Gilbert Phelps

Gilbert Henry Phelps was born in Gloucester, won a scholarship to a grammar school and another to Cambridge, where he graduated with a double First in English. He was a research student, lecturer, and tutor at Cambridge from 1937 to 1939. From 1940 to 1942, during the Second World War, he lectured for the British Council in Lisbon. On returning to England, he became Senior English Master at Blundell's School. Phelps began writing when he was still at school. His collections of poems and short stories appeared in many periodicals and collections, both in England and America. His first novel the Dry Stone was published both in England and America in 1953, as was his second novel A Man in His Prime. He wrote articles on literary and educational subjects and also wrote for radio. Phelps then became Chief Instructor, Sound, for Staff Training at the BBC. He wrote, edited and contributed introductions to a number of books published by the Folio Society. Phelps married Kay Batchelor, a writer and broadcaster.

Phelps's appointments with the BBC included: • Talks Producer, BBC Bristol 1945-50 • Supervisor, Educational Talks 1950-52 • Producer, Third Programme 1950-53 • General Instructor, Staff Training Department, BBC 1953-56 • General Instructor 1956-60