Arnold Bennett: Lost Icon

Arnold Bennett was a famous British writer in the 1920s, known for his novels like "The Old Wives' Tale" and "Clayhanger." Despite his success, he struggled with a stutter and other personal issues that led to financial troubles and a complicated relationship with his wife, mistress, and Virginia Woolf. This new biography provides insight into his life and career.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2022
Publisher: Unicorn Publishing Group

Arnold Bennett was a renowned British writer during the 1920s, known for his works such as "The Old Wives Tale" and "Clayhanger." He gained widespread popularity, appealing to both the common man and the literary elite in London. Bennett's face was prominently displayed on theater hoardings and the sides of West End omnibuses, making him a household name. His life is an extraordinary tale of rags-to-riches, as one of his obituaries aptly described him as someone who "banged on the door of Fortune like a weekly debt collector." Despite his immense success, few people were aware of the challenges Bennett faced throughout his life due to his lifelong stutter and other debilitating character traits.

In the years leading up to his death in 1931, Bennett's personal and professional life were in a state of turmoil. He was engaged in a bitter battle with his estranged wife, struggling to maintain a relationship with his disenchanted mistress, and facing criticism from fellow writer Virginia Woolf. The book, being the first comprehensive biography of Bennett since 1974, draws upon a wealth of unpublished diaries and letters to provide a fresh perspective on this enigmatic personality, often considered a "Lost Icon of early Twentieth Century Britain."

Bennett's upbringing was marked by poverty and hardship. Born in 1867 in Leeds, England, he was the youngest of seven children. His father, a shoemaker, struggled to make ends meet, and the family often relied on government assistance. Despite the difficult circumstances, Bennett showed a keen interest in literature and writing from a young age. He began writing stories and poems and even had his work published in local newspapers.

However, Bennett's stutter, which he had struggled with since childhood, became a significant obstacle in his pursuit of a literary career. He often found it difficult to express himself clearly, which hindered his ability to communicate with others and to pursue his dreams. Despite this, Bennett refused to let his stutter define him. He used it as a source of inspiration, writing about his struggles and triumphs with humor and resilience.

Bennett's literary career took off in the 1920s, with the publication of his first novel, "The Old Wives' Tale." The book was a critical success, and Bennett quickly gained a reputation as a talented writer. He followed it up with "Clayhanger," another popular novel that depicted the lives of working-class people in England. Bennett's writing was characterized by his wit, his empathy for his characters, and his ability to capture the essence of everyday life.

Despite his success, Bennett's personal life was often in turmoil. He was married three times, but his relationships were often fraught with conflict and jealousy. His first marriage to Susan Hill ended in divorce in 1895, and he later married Elsie Marten in 1900. However, their marriage was also troubled, and Bennett began an affair with the actress May Whitty in 1903.

Bennett's affair with Whitty was a source of controversy and scandal in the literary world. He was criticized for his infidelity and for betraying his wife, and his reputation was damaged. However, Bennett refused to be defined by his personal life. He continued to write and publish, and his work remained popular with readers.

In addition to his personal struggles, Bennett faced criticism from fellow writers. Virginia Woolf, in particular, was known for her sharp tongue and her criticism of male writers. Bennett was subjected to her scathing remarks, which were often based on his personal life and his writing. However, Bennett refused to be intimidated by Woolf's criticism. He continued to write and publish, and his work remained popular with readers.

Bennett's life came to a tragic end in 1931 when he died of heart failure. He was 64 years old. His death was a significant loss to the literary world, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence writers today. Despite his challenges and setbacks, Bennett's determination and resilience allowed him to achieve great success in his career. He remains a beloved figure in British literature, and his works continue to be read and studied by generations of readers.

In conclusion, Arnold Bennett was a celebrated British writer during the 1920s, known for his works such as "The Old Wives Tale" and "Clayhanger." Despite his immense success, few people were aware of the challenges he faced due to his lifelong stutter and other debilitating character traits. In the years leading up to his death in 1931, Bennett's personal and professional life were in a state of turmoil, as he battled with his estranged wife, struggled to maintain a relationship with his disenchanted mistress, and faced criticism from fellow writer Virginia Woolf. The book, being the first comprehensive biography of Bennett since 1974, draws upon a wealth of unpublished diaries and letters to shed new light on this enigmatic personality, often considered a "Lost Icon of early Twentieth Century Britain." Bennett's life is an extraordinary tale of rags-to-riches, and his determination and resilience in the face of adversity continue to inspire and influence writers today.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914414473