Francis Brett Young (Border Lines S.)

Francis Brett Young (1884-1954) was one of the most prolific and successful authors of his era. During the inter-war years his novels (he wrote over thirty) were consistent bestsellers, were translated into eleven languages, and were made into movies. And yet, today, he is little known, hardly read. Hall's study of Young is an excellent inquiry into what makes a best-selling author, what decides literary fashion, how popular literature is created, and when and why does it cease to be popular. By charting Young's life and rediscovering his work, he provides an illuminating study of the economics of literature and the transience of popular consumption. Michael Hall is vice-chairman of the Francis Brett Hall Society, and a teacher and lecturer.