Charles Richards Allen (1885-1962) was a poet, novelist and playwriter who was born in London but came to New Zealand as an infant. His father was Sir James Allen, Minister of Defence in the Massey "Reform" government of 1912 - 1920, later becoming New Zealand's High Commissioner to Britain. Charles attended Otago Boys’ High School and turned to writing after losing his sight following complications which arose after having eye surgery. He lived in Dunedin for most of his life and much of his work is set in that city. He is best known for two novels; A Poor Scholar: a tale of progress (1936) which follows the rise of a young Dunedin youth from impoverishment to becoming a Rhodes Scholar; and The Hedge-Sparrow (1937) set in Dunedin during the time of the Liberal government of Richard John Seddon which examines the inequalities which were present in society during that period.
Datec. 1935PhotographerS. P. AndrewCollectionS P AndrewReference50005-23Holding InstitutionWellington City Libraries
