Peter Shaffer Biography

Fast Facts

• In 1959, he was awarded the New York Drama Critics' Award for Best Foreign Play
• In 2001, he was given the title of Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire
• Earned a degree in history from Cambridge University
• Is the twin brother of fellow playwright Anthony Shaffer
• Before becoming a writer, he worked as an assistant at the New York Public Library
• Quote: "Art and literature are my surrogate religions․ I find in Mozart that ecstasy I don't find in codified faith․ I also find in reading - and even sometimes seeing - Shakespeare that same pleasure in perfection I discover in Mozart․"
• Has worked as a visiting theatre professor at Oxford University