Educated at the US Naval Academy and the University of Pittsburgh, Allen joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1916 and saw action on the Western Front in World War I. He returned to school after the war, doing graduate work at Harvard University. In 1921, he published his first book of poetry, Wampum and Old Gold. In 1922, he collaborated with DuBose Heyward on Carolina Chansons a book of poems and prose of the Carolinas. From 1924 to 1926, Allen taught English at Columbia University. From then on, he devoted himself entirely to writing. In 1926, he published Toward the Flame an account of his war experiences as an infantry lieutenant which was well-received. That same year he also published his wonderful biography of Edgar Allan Poe, Israfael, a critical success. In 1933, Allen published his masterpiece, Anthony Adverse, a mammoth work of historical fiction that became an instant best-seller and gave him financial independence. In 1938, his Action at Aquila also became a best-seller. Allen planned a series of historical novels concerning the American Revolution which was to be The Disinherited, but only completed the first three, The Forest and the Fort (1943), Bedford Village (1944) and Toward the Morning (1948). These were collected into The City in the Dawn after his death. His other works included Sarah Simon (1929), Songs for Annette (1929) and It Was Like This (1939). |
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