Author Christopher Wilson died on Friday, August 9, 2024 at the age of 74, his publisher Faber confirmed. He leaves behind his wife Fiona and children Ben and Sophia.

Wilson was the author of numerous novels published over more than 30 years. His most recent works, Hurdy-gurdy And The Zoowere both published by Faber, while his earlier novels The Ballad of Lee Cotton (Abacus), The dignity (flamingos) and Gallimauf’s Gospel (Flamingo), among other books.

His works have been translated into several languages, adapted for the stage, and have been twice nominated for the Whitbread Fiction Prize and longlisted for the HWA Crown Awards.

Jonny Geller, Wilson’s literary agent, said: “Chris was a wonderful talent with a body of work that spanned more than three decades. His novels are unexpected, funny, unique, warm and clever – like the man himself. His books will live on for many years to come. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working with him and our condolences go out to his family, his wife Fiona and children Ben and Sophia.”

Louisa Joyner, deputy editor of fiction at Faber, added: “It was a pleasure to publish Chris Wilson’s books. He was a truly gifted satirist whose writing pierced egos with a generosity that made his portraits all the more devastating. He has been with me since the beginning of my career at Faber and I am truly honoured to have been his editor.”

“From little Yuri Zippit to the great Brother Diggory, his protagonists are so exquisitely portrayed that they have become like friends. His wit and brilliance will be sorely missed here at Faber, not least by me. Our thoughts are with his family.”

In addition to his work as a novelist, Wilson has also written a PhD on the psychology of humour at the London School of Economics, worked as a research psychologist and semiotic consultant, and lectured for 10 years at Goldsmiths College, University of London. He has also taught creative writing in prisons, to students and the Arvon Foundation.