Mental Efficiency (ePub)

Arnold Bennett (1867-1931) was a prolific British writer and journalist, renowned for his insightful portrayals of the lives of ordinary people amid the shifting social landscapes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born Enoch Arnold Bennett in Hanley, one of the six towns of the Potteries which later amalgamated to form the city of Stoke-on-Trent, his early exposure to the working-class life would profoundly influence his literary work. Bennett's oeuvre spanned various genres, including novels, essays, plays, and non-fiction. His important novels, set in the Five Towns, a thinly veiled representation of his native Potteries, include 'Anna of the Five Towns' (1902) and 'The Clayhanger Trilogy' (1910-1916), serving as enduring testaments to his narrative skill and psychological depth. Besides his fiction, Bennett wrote several self-help books, among which 'Mental Efficiency' stands as a notable example. Published in 1911, this work showcases his belief in practicality and self-improvement which also colored his literary endeavors. Bennett was known for his realistic writing style and finely drawn characters, addressing a myriad of themes such as the rise of feminism, the tensions between tradition and progress, and the mundane struggles of everyday life. Though his reputation waned after his death, contemporary criticism has seen a growing appreciation for his acumen in capturing the nuances of his era and the complexities of human nature.