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His attempt to write screenplays failed, but he developed an interest in hallucinogenic drugs that led to a book about his drug experiences, The Doors of Perception. As war loomed in Europe, Huxley, a pacifist, moved to California, along with his wife, Maria, and their son, Matthew.
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Huxley published Brave New World, his most successful novel, in 1932. He wrote prolifically throughout the 1920's, publishing numerous essays, sketches, caricatures, and four novels. Though his hopes of a medical career were dashed when an eye disease almost blinded him at 16, he soon built a career as a writer. He attended Eton and Oxford and was skilled and knowledgeable in both literature and science.
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Huxley was a thoughtful, imaginative child, though his family teased him for his grumbling disposition. Huxley’s father was the editor of Cornhill magazine, while his mother was related to the English poet Matthew Arnold. His grandfather, a biologist, was instrumental in popularizing Darwin's theory of evolution. Aldous Huxley was born into a family of noted scientists and writers.
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