Arnold Bennett

"English author Arnold Bennett (1867-1931) wrote novels, short stories, plays, magazine articles, book reviews, and self-help books. Among his more famous works are The Old Wives' Tale, which was published in 1908, and the "Clayhanger" novels, published from 1910 to 1916. Bennett was the editor for the magazine Woman from 1896 to 1900, and was also a journalist during World War I. Bennett remained popular after the war, and was paid more than most writers of the time. Bennett was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1924 for the novel Riceyman Steps.

Turbulence in Bennett's personal life reflected bouts of public disdain that marked his career as a writer. Bennett not only appreciated the high life, but lived it; Bennett spent a portion of his life sailing on his yacht in Holland. Bennett's work was both inspired and impeded by his romantic relationships. After Bennett's engagement to Eleanor Green was called off in August of 1906, Bennett's marriage to Marguerite Soulie in 1907 marked the beginning of his authorship of The Old Wives' Tale. In 1926, having separated from Soulie, Bennett fathered a daughter with companion Dorothy Cheston. Stories about Bennett's personal life affected the public's perception of Bennett, but did not discredit his overall reputation as one of the most productive, respected writers and critics of his time.

Despite the commotion surrounding the public's regard of Bennett, and Bennett's personal career and relationship ups and downs, Bennett is today regarded as an important figure in English literature. Before dying March 27, 1931, of typhoid fever, Bennett reflected on his work: "I always write as well as heaven permits."