Besant, Walter

English novelist, dramatist, historical writer, critic and philanthropist. Besant's portrayal of London's slums initiated the movement which led to the betterment of the poor.
His first book was Studies in Early French Poetry. He developed a literary collaboration with James Rice and together they wrote 14 novels. In 1884, Besant helped in starting the Society of Authors to protect writers and their works. His first separate novel, All Sorts and Conditions of Men (1882) was about London's slums. It resulted in the establishment of the Palace in 1887 which became a source of education and amusement for the poor. His sympathy with these people is also apparent in his work Children of Gibeon (1886). Besant wrote 32 independent novels as well as essays and plays. His diverse writings include biographies, historical and critical works. He was knighted in 1895.
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English novelist, dramatist, historical writer, critic and philanthropist. Besant's portrayal of London's slums initiated the movement that led to the betterment of the poor. His diverse writings include biographies, historical and critical works.;