Hervey Allen (1889–1949,) fully William Hervey Allen, Jr., was an American poet, biographer, and novelist who significantly influenced popular literature with his historical novel Anthony Adverse.
Born in Pittsburgh, Allen trained for the U.S. Navy, in which he became a midshipman. In World War I, however, he fought with distinction as a lieutenant in the army. He later published his war diary Towards the Flame (1926.)
Allen’s first published work was a book of poetry, Ballads of the Border (1916.) During the 1920s, he established a reputation as a poet, publishing several more volumes of verse.
Allen’s best-known novel, Anthony Adverse (1933,) sold a million and a half copies. It was followed by Action at Aquila (1938,) The Forest and the Fort (1943,) Bedford Village (1945,) and The City of the Dawn, which was unfinished at his death.
Allen also wrote a study of Edgar Allan Poe under the title Israfil (1926.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Hervey Allen
Each new generation is a fresh invasion of savages.
—Hervey Allen
Topics: Fresh, Civilization
The only time you really live fully is from thirty to sixty. The young are slaves to dreams; the old servants of regrets. Only the middle-aged have all their five senses in the keeping of their wits.
—Hervey Allen
Topics: Maturity, Age, Aging
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