The Spirit of the Time

Robert Smythe Hichens (1864-1950) was an English journalist and novelist of note. Born in Speldhurst in Kent, he was educated at Clifton College, the Royal College of Music, and the London School of Journalism. He wrote lyrics for music, stories, and collaborated in successful plays. He is best remembered for his satire on Oscar Wilde, The Green Carnation (1894) and his novels that were made into films, including "The Garden of Allah" (1905) and "The Paradine Case" (1933) as well as the frequently anthologized story, "How Love Came to Professor Guildea."