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Arnold Bennett was a British novelist, playwright, and essayist born on May 27, 1867, in Hanley, Staffordshire, England. He was the eldest son of a solicitor and was educated at the Middle School in Newcastle-under-Lyme and later at the University of London. After completing his studies, Bennett worked as a solicitor's clerk and then as a journalist for various newspapers.
Bennett's literary career began in 1898 with the publication of his first novel, "A Man from the North." He went on to write over thirty novels, including "The Old Wives' Tale," "Clayhanger," and "Anna of the Five Towns," which were all set in the Potteries, the industrial region of Staffordshire where he grew up. His works were known for their realistic portrayal of everyday life and their focus on the struggles of the working class.
In addition to his novels, Bennett was also a prolific playwright and essayist. He wrote several successful plays, including "Milestones" and "The Great Adventure," and his essays were published in various newspapers and magazines, including the Evening Standard and the New Statesman.
Bennett was a member of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for his novel "Riceyman Steps" in 1923. He died on March 27, 1931, in London, England, at the age of 63. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important writers of the early 20th century and a pioneer of the modern novel. |