George Mikes

ABOUT GEORGE MIKES

A Hungarian-British author and journalist, he is best known for humorous works such as How to be an Alien (1946), a book that makes fun of the English and their relationship with foreigners. His other works include Shakespeare and Myself (1952) and Little Cabbages (1955).

He initially wanted to become a lawyer; however, he was hired by a Budapest newspaper and began his career as a journalist. He immigrated to England in 1940.

He became famous for his comical critiques of several different countries.

He was born in Hungary and was the son of attorney Alfred Mikes. He was married twice and had a son named Martin and a daughter named Judith.

He was president of the London branch of PEN International, the worldwide association of writers. George Bernard Shaw was one of the organization's first members.