Born and brought up in England during the late Victorian and early Edwardian periods, Algernon Henry Blackwood spent his early adult life in a variety of occupations in Canada and the U.S.A. before returning to England (<a href=http://en.wikipedia/wiki/Algernon_Blackwood>Wikipedia</a>). He was a lifelong bachelor. His fascination with the supernatural and mysticism was reflected in many of his writings, which influenced numerous 20th century science fiction and fantasy writers.