Walter Ernest Allen was born on February 23, 1911, in Birmingham, England. He attended King Edward's Grammar School in his hometown before going on to study at the University of Birmingham. It was during his time at university that Allen began to hone his skills as a writer, immersing himself in the world of literature and the arts.
After graduating from university, Allen wasted no time in diving headfirst into a career in writing. He quickly gained recognition as a talented novelist, churning out a series of novels in rapid succession. However, Allen's talents were not limited to fiction; he also excelled in the realms of literary criticism and non-fiction writing. His most renowned work, "The English Novel: a Short Critical History," was published in 1951 and solidified his reputation as a formidable literary critic.
Throughout his illustrious career, Allen held various roles ranging from professor to editor to broadcaster. His diverse skill set allowed him to make significant contributions to the world of academia and literature, earning him a place among the esteemed members of the Birmingham Group.
Following his graduation, Allen's career took him across the Atlantic to America, where he taught at prestigious institutions such as Vassar College in New York. He later settled in Northern Ireland, accepting a position at the New University of Ulster in 1967. Allen's experiences teaching and traveling around the world undoubtedly influenced his writing and shaped the breadth of his literary knowledge.
Walter Ernest Allen was a prolific writer up until his death, leaving behind a wealth of unpublished manuscripts and an enduring legacy in the world of literature. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Allen also found happiness in his personal life, marrying and raising a family of four children.
Though no longer with us, Walter Ernest Allen's contributions to the world of literature continue to inspire and influence both aspiring writers and avid readers alike.