Robert William Chambers was born on May 26, 1865, in New York City. He was the son of William P. Chambers, a prominent attorney in the city. From a young age, Chambers showed a talent for both art and literature. He attended the École des Beaux-Arts and the Académie Julian in Paris, where he honed his skills as an artist.
While studying in Paris, Chambers began his career as an artist. His paintings were well-received and he gained a reputation as a talented and successful artist. However, Chambers' true passion lay in writing, and he eventually decided to pursue a career as a writer instead.
Chambers' first major success as a writer came with the publication of his novel "In the Quarter" in 1894. The book was well-received by critics and readers alike, establishing Chambers as a rising star in the literary world. He went on to write several more novels, including "The King in Yellow," which is perhaps his most famous work.
In addition to his novels, Chambers wrote numerous short stories and novellas. Some of his other notable works include "The Maker of Moons," "The Mystery of Choice," and "The Tree of Heaven." Chambers' writing is characterized by its blend of horror, fantasy, and science fiction elements, making him a pioneer in the genre of weird fiction.
In 1898, Chambers married Elsa Vaughn Moller, with whom he had one son. Despite his literary success, Chambers remained close to his family and continued to be a devoted husband and father. He passed away on December 16, 1933, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and thought-provoking literature.
Although Chambers' writing was somewhat overshadowed by his contemporary H.P. Lovecraft, who criticized Chambers' work, he remains an important figure in the world of weird fiction. His unique blend of horror, fantasy, and science fiction continues to captivate readers and inspire new generations of writers.