Maurice Hewlett

Biography

Born in Kent, England, UK, in 1861, Maurice Hewlett, destined to become an acclaimed English novelist and poet, embarked on an unconventional path. He attended London International College but departed without a degree. Though he initially pursued law, his studies stretched over a remarkable twelve years. Despite eventually passing the bar exam, Hewlett never practiced, having long harbored a youthful dream of global travel and a life dedicated to writing. His first visit to Italy, the inaugural journey of many to that beloved land, decisively confirmed his true calling. In 1888, he married Hilda Herbert, a vicar's daughter who shattered traditional expectations; far from demure, she was an aviation enthusiast who earned a pilot's license and, during World War I, built planes for the British RAF. The couple settled near Salisbury, where Hewlett spent two years as the Keeper of the Land Revenue Records for the Record Office. This government role provided a stable income, affording him the crucial time to hone his literary skills. He specialized in historical novels, achieving significant success with his 1898 debut, "The Forest Lovers," a captivating narrative set in medieval England. Hewlett's prolific output also included insightful essays, evocative volumes of poetry, and vivid travelogues, largely inspired by his Italian adventures. He further explored the rich tapestry of Icelandic legends and folk tales in his adventure stories, while his poetry was celebrated as both "fine" and "moving." Maurice Hewlett passed away in 1923.