Hervey Allen

Soldier - Historian - Poet - Author

A Biographical Sketch

Highlights

o December 8, 1889 - Hervey Allen is born in Pittsburgh, PA.
o 1910 - Enters U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.
o 1915 - Earns bachelor's degree, University of Pittsburgh
o 1916 - Joins Pennsylvania National Guard
o 1918 - At the Western Front, World War I
* Given command of Company B
* Wounded at Fismes
* Fights at Mountfaucon and Meuse-Argonne
o 1920 - Graduate work at Harvard
o 1921 - First book of poetry is published; Wampum and Old Gold
o 1924-1926 - Teaches Teaches English at Columbia
o 1926 - Publishes Israfel: The Life and Times of Edgar Allen Poe
o 1927 - Marries Ann Hyde Andrews in New York
o 1933 - Publishes Anthony Adverse
o 1939 - Publishes Is It Like this?
o 1943 - Publishes The Forest And The Fort
o 1944 - Publishes Bedford Village
o 1948 - Publishes Toward The Morning
o December 28, 1949 - Dies at The Glades, Florida

The above photo is of the "Writing Cottage" which is where Hervey Allen wrote many of his great works and, may I add, poured out his genius. The Glades was part of a 15 acre establishment in Dade County, Florida that housed Mr. Allen's family and staff. For those who have read Anthony Adverse, they will recognize that the kind of environment that was achieved is akin to "Silver Ho." It's nice to know that Hervey Allen took his characters as seriously as we do! This cottage, built of local coral rock and pine, still stands as an historical site; a monument to a robust period in America's artistic prowess.
This area of Florida was a haven for many important figures of the 20th Century American writing community, notably the great poet, Robert Frost, who was a regular visitor at the Glades.
It is interesting to note that Hervey Allen composed his text in his head at night, then dictated it verbatim to a secretary the next morning! How unlike like the usual picture of the writer seated at a typewriter, clicking away speedily. Or standing at a typewriter, ala Hemmingway!
More to follow - - - - - -

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support, time, contributions, and insights provided by Mr. Richard Allen and all members of the Allen Family toward the realization of this Web site.

Brine&Ig

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