Garnett, David (1892–1981)

English novelist. His second novel, Lady into Fox 1922, made his reputation: it is a striking story of a woman who turns into a vixen, and the effect it has upon her husband. Other novels include A Man in the Zoo 1924 and The Sailor's Return 1925. He served with the RAF during World War II and drew upon his experiences in War in the Air 1941. His later novels are more naturalistic and less serious in tone and subject. CBE 1952.

Garnett was born in Brighton, Sussex, the son of the author Edward Garnett and Constance Garnett, who was celebrated for her translations from Russian literature. His grandfather was Richard Garnett. Educated privately, he went to the Royal College of Science, where he studied botany. During World War I he worked with the Friends' War Victims' Relief.

His later novels include Aspects of Love 1955, A Shot in the Dark 1958, A Net for Venus 1959, and Ulterior Motives 1966, among others. He edited the letters of T E Lawrence 1938, T H White 1968, and Dora Carrington 1970. He spent his last years in Montuq, France.