Raymond Hull

For the American politician, seeRaymond Hull (politician).

Raymond Hull(27 February 1919 – 7 June 1985) was an England-bornCanadianplaywright, television screenwriter, and lecturer. He also wrote many non-fiction books, numerous magazine articles, short stories, and poetry. He is best known as the co-author of the bookThe Peter PrinciplewithLaurence J. Peter.He is also known for the saying "He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away."

He studied creative writing at theUniversity of British Columbiaat the age 30 after discovering he had an aptitude for the craft. After graduation, he eventually began writing television screenplays for theCanadian Broadcasting Corporation.He later branched into writing for the stage and in time formed The Gastown Players.

Biography

Hull was born on 27 February 1919 inShaftesbury,Dorset,England. Following theSecond World War,he emigrated toVancouverand worked as a waiter, janitor and civil servant.

Hull began writing in the late 1950s at 38 years old.In 1983, he publishedHow to Write a Play.

Hull died on 7 June 1985 atSt. Paul's Hospital,Vancouver.

Works

Plays

• The Drunkard(1967)
• Wedded to a Villain(1967)
• Son of the Drunkard(a.k.a.The Drunkard's Revenge,1982)

Books

• Profitable Playwriting(1968)
• How To Get What You Want(1969)
• Writing for Money in Canada(1969)
• Effective Public Speaking(1971)
• The Peter Principle(co-author withLaurence Peter)
• Gastown's Gassy Jack(co-author)
• How to Write a Play(1983)