Anita Mason

1942–2020

English novelist whose fiction ranges across historical periods and imagined futures, often exploring religion, power and communities at odds with the mainstream. Born in Bristol, she was educated at the Red Maids’ School and read English at Oxford before working in publishing, journalism and organic farming. Her first novel, Bethany, appeared in 1981; later books include The War Against Chaos, The Racket, Angel and The Right Hand of the Sun. She died in Bristol in September 2020. The Illusionist, a portrait of the magician Simon Magus in the early Christian era, was shortlisted for the 1983 Booker Prize.

Timeline of Anita Mason’s life

Works

• The Illusionist (1983)

Prizes

• The Illusionist — The Booker Prize 1983: Shortlist