Arnold Bennett

Date of Birth: May 27, 1867

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: March 27, 1931

Biography

Arnold Bennett was an English novelist, playwright, and essayist born on May 27, 1867, in Hanley, Staffordshire, England. He is best known for his detailed and realistic portrayal of life in the Potteries, an area that includes six towns in Staffordshire. Bennett’s literary career took off with the publication of his novel “A Man from the North” in 1898. This was followed by a series of successful novels that established him as a significant figure in early 20th-century literature. Among his most notable works are “The Old Wives’ Tale” (1908), which is often considered his masterpiece, and the “Clayhanger” series, which provides a vivid depiction of life in the Staffordshire Potteries. Bennett also wrote plays, including “Milestones” (1912) and “The Great Adventure” (1913), further showcasing his versatility as a writer. In addition to his novels and plays, Bennett was a prolific essayist and a keen observer of contemporary society. His essays often explored themes of self-improvement and personal development, resonating with a wide audience. Despite facing criticism from some literary circles for his focus on the middle class and their everyday lives, Bennett’s work remains highly regarded for its rich character development and keen social insights.

5 Interesting Facts about Arnold Bennett

1. Arnold Bennett was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 1926 for his contributions to literature.

2. He worked as an editor for the magazine “Woman” from 1893 to 1900, which significantly influenced his writing style.

3. Bennett was a contemporary and rival of H.G. Wells, with whom he had a famously contentious relationship.

4. He was an avid supporter of public libraries and believed in their importance for self-education.

5. Despite his success, Bennett struggled with financial difficulties throughout his life, often due to his generosity and poor investment choices.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arnold Bennett

1. “The price of justice is eternal publicity.”

2. “Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.”

3. “Happiness includes chiefly the idea of satisfaction after full honest effort.”

4. “You can only acquire really useful general ideas by first acquiring particular ideas.”

5. “The proper, wise balancing of one’s whole life may depend upon the feasibility of a cup of tea at an unusual hour.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Arnold Bennett’s net worth was estimated to be equivalent to several million pounds in today’s currency, though exact figures are not readily available.