Arnold Bennett (1867-1931) was a prolific English author, best known as a novelist. He completed 34 novels, 7 volumes of short stories, and 13 plays. He was the most financially successful British author of his day. Bennett also published many non-fiction books, including several self-help titles. His most enduring work is How to Live on 24 Hours a Day, which is still in print and has been translated into several languages. His works in self-help were written for small fees, out of Bennett's real desire to assist ordinary people. His advice is often a more whimsical version of William James' argument for mental discipline. Bennett's focus was on bringing a message of hope to ordinary people of his time.