Charles Grandison Finney (1905–84) was an American news editor and fantasy novelist, known for his imaginative, surreal storytelling. His works, especially The Circus of Dr. Lao (1935,) influenced generations of fantasy writers.
Born in Sedalia, Missouri, Finney served with the U.S. Army 15th Infantry Regiment in Tientsin, China (1927–29,) an experience that inspired The Old China Hands (1961.) After returning to the U.S., he settled in Tucson, Arizona, working as an editor at the Arizona Daily Star (1930–70.)
His most famous novel, The Circus of Dr. Lao, won the National Book Award for Most Original Book (1935) and was adapted into 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964.) Other works include The Unholy City (1937,) Past the End of the Pavement (1939,) The Ghosts of Manacle (1964,) and The Magician Out of Manchuria (1968.) His short stories, such as The Night Crawler (1959) and Private Prince (1961,) appeared in The New Yorker and Harper’s Magazine.
Finney’s writing, blending fantasy and satire, is praised for its originality. His influence extends to Ray Bradbury, Peter S. Beagle, and Jonathan Lethem.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Charles G. Finney
Unless I had the spirit of prayer, I could do nothing.
—Charles G. Finney
Topics: Prayer
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