10 Literary types who refused the CBE

1. J. G. Ballard, author (in 2003; "the honours system is a Ruritanian charade that helps to prop up the top-heavy monarchy.").
2. Julian Barnes, novelist
3. Honor Blackman, actress (in 2002; she is a republican)
4. C. S. Forester, novelist (in 1953)
5. Robert Graves, poet and novelist (in 1957; later declined appointment as CH in 1984)
6. Graham Greene, author (in 1956) (later accepted appointment as CH and OM, neither of which are titles granting rank or precedence)
7. C. S. Lewis, author, theologian, Oxford professor (in 1951, declined in order to avoid association with any political issues)
8. Seán O'Casey, playwright (in 1963)
9. Sue Townsend novelist and playwright
10. Evelyn Waugh, novelist (in 1959, wanted a knighthood