British author Tom Sharpe, a critically acclaimed writer of comic fiction, died early Thursday at his home in the Spanish coastal town of llafranc, a spokesperson for Spanish publishing group Anagrama told EFE. He was 85.
Sharpe, who lived alone, died around 1 am due to complications from diabetes. Known for his dark and acerbic humour, Sharpe is especially remembered for his novel Wilt about a university professor hounded by a nagging wife.
It was followed by sequels: The Wilt Alternative, Wilt on High, Wilt in Nowhere and The Wilt Inheritance.
It was made into a 1989 film by Michael Tuchner. His other books include Riotous Assembly, Indecent Exposure and Porterhouse Blue, all written in the 1970s.