Definition
George Mikes (1912 – 1987) was a Hungarian‑born British writer and humorist, best known for his satirical essays on British life and his series of “How to…” books, particularly How to Be an Alien (1946).
Overview
Born György Miklós in Budapest, Mikes moved to England in 1935 after completing studies in law at the University of Budapest. He began his career as a journalist, contributing to publications such as The Evening Standard and The Spectator. During World War II he served in the British Ministry of Information, after which he turned to writing humorous non‑fiction. His most famous work, How to Be an Alien, offered a witty outsider’s perspective on British customs, manners, and idiosyncrasies, and it became a bestseller in the United Kingdom and the United States. Mikes continued to write a series of “How to…” titles covering topics such as How to Be a Briton, How to Be a Virgin, and How to Be a Woman. He also authored several novels, short stories, and collections of essays, and contributed regularly to newspapers and magazines until his death in 1987.
Etymology/Origin
The name “George Mikes” is the Anglicised form of his birth name “György Miklós”. “György” is the Hungarian equivalent of “George”, derived from the Greek γέωργος (geṓrgos, “farmer, earth‑worker”). “Miklós” is the Hungarian version of “Nicholas”, from the Greek Νικόλαος (Nikólaos, “victory of the people”). Upon settling in England, he adopted the simpler “George Mikes” for professional purposes.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Satirical humor, essay, travel writing |
| Style | Light‑hearted, observational humor; employs irony, gentle mockery, and a modest, self‑deprecating tone. |
| Themes | Cultural differences, British social norms, etiquette, everyday absurdities, immigrant perspective. |
| Notable Works | How to Be an Alien (1946), How to Be a Briton (1971), How to Be a Virgin (1975), The Unbecoming of the Anxious (1970). |
| Legacy | Recognised as a prominent figure in mid‑20th‑century British humor; his “How to…” series influenced later humorists who explore cultural identity through satirical guidebooks. |
Related Topics
- British satire and humor literature
- Post‑World War II expatriate writers in the United Kingdom
- Cultural commentary in humor (e.g., works by P. G. Wodehouse, Evelyn Waugh)
- The “How to…” guidebook genre in comedic writing
- The Ministry of Information (United Kingdom) during World II
All information presented is based on established biographical and bibliographical sources.