Arnold Bennett was born in North Staffordshire in May 1867 and was educated at Middle School in Newcastle under Lyme. From 1888 to 1893 he was a solicitors' clerk in London. After he started writing, he became assistant editor and then editor of 'Woman'. He lived in Paris from 1902 to 1912, writing plays, romances, articles and novels, including some of his best work. He married in 1907 Marie Marguerite Soulie, a Frenchwoman. They separated in 1921 and the following year Bennett began to live with Dorothy Cheston, who was regarded as his second wife and changed her name to Bennett. They had a daughter, Virginia Mary, in 1926. Bennett died in April 1931 of typhoid fever. His most famous novels are 'The old wives' tales', 'Anna of the five towns' and 'Clayhanger', all set in the Potteries. He also wrote many stage plays.
From the guide to the Bennett Papers, 1883-1938, (University College London)
