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A. E. W. Mason
1865–1948 · English
About the author
Alfred Edward Woodley Mason (1865–1948) was an English author and politician, celebrated for his popular adventure and mystery novels. Educated at Oxford, he initially pursued acting before turning to writing. His most famous work, The Four Feathers (1902), is a classic tale of courage and redemption set during the Mahdist War. Mason also created the French detective Inspector Hanaud, a precursor to later gentleman sleuths, in novels such as At the Villa Rose (1910). A Member of Parliament for a brief period, he served as a intelligence officer during World War I. Mason’s literary legacy lies in his skillful plotting and atmospheric storytelling, which influenced the development of both the adventure and detective genres. His works remain in print for their enduring narrative appeal.
Photo from The War Illustrated , 31 July 1915. Caption reads: Capt. A.E.W. Mason, Manchester Regt., the novelist and dramatist, author of The Witness for the Defense , The Turnstile , Running Water , The Truants , etc.
