Riceyman Steps

Enoch Arnold Bennett (1867 – 1931), better known as Arnold Bennett, was an English writer of novels, short stories and plays. The eldest of six children, Bennett grew up in Staffordshire as part of a cultured artistic family. His first novel, ‘A Man From The North’, was published in 1898 to critical acclaim but little commercial success. However, his prolific output soon made him a successful author, and by the time of his death at 63 he was a household name with many published classics. Bennett is best remembered for his novels ‘Anna of the Five Towns’ (1902), ‘The Old Wives’ Tale’ (1908), ‘Clayhanger’ (1910) and ‘Riceyman Steps’ (1923). His work frequently dealt with real-life issues and have been loved for their relatability and the keen insight they offer into the everyday. Posthumously recognised as a literary genius, Bennett’s works have had frequent comparisons to those of his contemporaries such as H.G. Wells and John Galsworthy.