Hervey Allen (June 27, 1889 – August 1, 1949) was an American novelist, poet, and essayist. He is best known for his historical novel The Forest and the Fort (1932), which dramatizes the early colonial history of the United States, and for The Cry of the Khaki (1919), a collection of World War I poetry and prose.
Early Life and Education
- Birth: June 27, 1889, in Germantown, Pennsylvania, United States.
- Family: Son of William and Emma Allen.
- Education: Attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied literature; later pursued graduate work at Harvard University.
Military Service
Allen served in the United States Army during World War I, attaining the rank of lieutenant. His wartime experiences informed much of his early writing, particularly his poetry and short stories dealing with the soldier’s perspective.
Literary Career
- Early Works: Published short stories and poems in various magazines in the 1910s, gaining recognition for his vivid war-themed verses.
- Major Novels:
- The Forest and the Fort (1932) – a historical epic set in the 17th‑century frontier of Pennsylvania, praised for its detailed research and narrative scope.
- The Harp of New York (1934) – a novel exploring urban life during the early 20th century.
- Other Publications: Authored The Cry of the Khaki (1919), several collections of poetry, and historical essays.
Later Life and Death
Allen continued to write and lecture on American literature and history throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He died on August 1, 1949, in New York City.
Legacy
Hervey Allen’s work is regarded as a significant contribution to early 20th‑century American historical fiction, particularly for its blend of rigorous historical detail with narrative drive. The Forest and the Fort remains in print and is studied in courses covering American frontier literature.
