Date of Birth: December 8, 1889
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: December 28, 1949
Biography
Hervey Allen, born William Hervey Allen Jr., was an American author and poet best known for his historical novel “Anthony Adverse.” He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and developed a love for literature and history early in life. Allen’s career spanned multiple genres, including poetry, historical novels, and biographies. His work often reflected his passion for American history and his deep understanding of human nature. Allen’s most famous work, “Anthony Adverse,” was published in 1933 and became a bestseller, later adapted into a successful film in 1936. The novel’s sweeping narrative and richly drawn characters captivated readers and critics alike. Allen continued to write throughout his life, producing several other novels, poetry collections, and a biography of Edgar Allan Poe. In addition to his literary achievements, Allen served as a lieutenant in World War I, an experience that deeply influenced his worldview and writing. He was also an educator, teaching at various institutions and inspiring a new generation of writers and thinkers.
5 Interesting Facts about Hervey Allen
1. Hervey Allen’s “Anthony Adverse” was a major bestseller and was translated into multiple languages.
2. He served as a lieutenant in World War I and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his bravery.
3. Allen was a close friend of fellow poet and author Stephen Vincent Benét.
4. He wrote a biography of Edgar Allan Poe titled “Israfel: The Life and Times of Edgar Allan Poe.”
5. Allen’s work significantly influenced the historical novel genre, blending meticulous research with compelling storytelling.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hervey Allen
1. “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
2. “History is the story of events, with praise or blame.”
3. “A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life.”
4. “The hero of my tale, whom I love with all the power of my soul, has every virtue under heaven, but I cannot give him a name.”
5. “The writing of history reflects the interests, predilections, and even prejudices of a given generation.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Hervey Allen’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a substantial amount for his time.
Children
Hervey Allen had four children: Marcia Allen, Mary Allen, Robert Allen, and Phyllis Allen.
Relevant Links
1. [Hervey Allen – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hervey_Allen
2. [Biography of Hervey Allen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hervey-Allen
4. [Hervey Allen on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/215965.Hervey_Allen
5. [Hervey Allen’s “Anthony Adverse”](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1079147.Anthony_Adverse
