Alfred Ollivant

Alfred Ollivant Biography

Alfred Ollivant (1874 – 19 January 1927) was an English novelist best known for his novel Bob, Son of Battle (1898). Born in Nuthurst, Sussex, Ollivant pursued a brief military career, which ended due to a horse-riding injury, leading him to focus on writing. His debut novel, Bob, Son of Battle, set in rural Cumbria, tells the story of a suspected sheep-killing collie named Bob. Despite the use of Cumbrian dialect, the novel gained popularity in both England and the United States.

Following the success of his first novel, Ollivant authored several more works, including Danny (1902), The Gentleman: A Romance of the Sea (1908), and Boy Woodburn: A Story of the Sussex Downs (1917). He also contributed short stories to magazines such as The Atlantic Monthly and the Boston Evening Transcript. Ollivant passed away in London on 19 January 1927, leaving behind a legacy as a notable English novelist.

Trivia About Alfred Ollivant

• Ollivant's novel Bob, Son of Battle has been adapted into several films and television series.
• Despite the rural settings of his novels, Ollivant spent a significant part of his life in London.
• He contributed short stories to prominent magazines, including The Atlantic Monthly and the Boston Evening Transcript.

Famous Quotes by Alfred Ollivant

• "There is no good in arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Alfred Ollivant?

Alfred Ollivant was an English novelist, best known for his 1898 novel Bob, Son of Battle, which tells the story of a sheepdog in rural Cumbria.

What is 'Bob, Son of Battle' about?

Bob, Son of Battle is a novel centered on a collie named Bob, suspected of being a sheep-killer, set against the backdrop of rural life in northern England.

What other works did Alfred Ollivant write?

Ollivant authored several other novels, including Danny (1902), The Gentleman: A Romance of the Sea (1908), and Boy Woodburn: A Story of the Sussex Downs (1917).

Related Literary Movements

Alfred Ollivant's works are associated with English regional literature, often depicting rural life and the relationship between humans and animals, reflecting the pastoral literary tradition.

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