Arnold Bennett

1867–1931

1 series 11 books in order 8 standalone books

Enoch Arnold Bennett was an English novelist, playwright, and journalist, known for depicting middle-class life in north Staffordshire. He was born in Hanley, Staffordshire (now Stoke-on-Trent) in 1867, the son of a solicitor. He was educated in Newcastle-under-Lyme and worked for his father before becoming a journalist. In 1889, he won a writing competition in Tit-Bits magazine and later became assistant editor of Woman, where he also wrote serial fiction. His first novel, A Man from the North, was published in 1898. He left Woman in 1900 to write full-time. In 1903, he moved to Paris, where he wrote several novels and plays. His 1908 novel The Old Wives' Tale became a best-seller. Bennett also wrote detective fiction, including six stories featuring the character Cecil Thorold. During World War I, he served as Director of Propaganda for France at the Ministry of Information. He refused a knighthood in 1918. In 1922, he separated from his French wife and began a relationship with actress Dorothy Cheston, which lasted until his death. He died of typhoid at his home in London in 1931.

Born

1867

Known for

Clayhanger Trilogy