Max Pemberton
Max Pemberton was an English writer born on June 19, 1863, in Warwickshire. He received his education at Merchant Taylors' School and later Caius College at Cambridge, where he studied law. Despite his academic background, Pemberton struggled initially to find stable employment in education and turned to writing, inspired by his passion for cycling and mentorship from Alfred Harmsworth. He gained some recognition with his serial "The Iron Pirate" while working at Cassell's Magazine, where he also served as editor from 1894 to 1906.
Throughout his career, Pemberton wrote over seventy works, including novels, plays, and short stories, with a focus on themes of crime, mystery, and adventure. His writings often incorporated contemporary technological advancements, although they were sometimes criticized for their lack of depth in character and plot. Despite being a popular writer of his time, his work fell out of favor, and he is largely overlooked today. Pemberton was knighted in 1928 and passed away on February 22, 1950. Additionally, he co-founded the London School of Journalism in 1920, reflecting his commitment to the field of writing and journalism.
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Max Pemberton
Author
- Born: June 19, 1863
- Birthplace: Warwickshire, England
- Died: February 22, 1950
- Place of death: London, England
Biography
Max Pemberton was born in Warwickshire, England, on June 19, 1863, the son of a prosperous rice merchant. He was educated at Merchant Taylors’ School in London and later attended Caius College at Cambridge, where he studied law. After graduating with a master’s degree he tried unsuccessfully to obtain a position as a schoolmaster. Around this time, he met Alfred Harmsworth, who would become his mentor. He and Harmsworth were both avid bicyclists, and it was Pemberton’s knowledge of the sport which led to the publication of his first article in Bicycling News.
Pemberton became a freelance writer but his earnings were quite meager. His earnings improved slightly when he and Harmsworth both started writing articles for the publisher of Tit-Bits, Sir George Newnes. Pemberton and Harmsworth learned much about the publishing business from Newnes, and they later used this knowledge to establish other newspapers.
In 1892, Pemberton was offered a position by the general manager of the Cassell publishing company to start a newspaper for young boys called Chums. The newspaper met with moderate success; to boost circulation, the general manager suggested that Pemberton write a serial for the publication. Pemberton responded by creating a serial called The Iron Pirate, the story of a tragic, yet greedy present-day pirate. The series proved to be Pemberton’s first critical success. He stayed with the newspaper for only a year before he resigned. In 1894, he accepted a position as an editor at Cassell’s Magazine, and he held this position until 1906. During this time, he also worked with Harmsworth at the Daily Mail.
Although writing was a major part of Pemberton’s life, he was active in other areas. In 1920 he and Lord Northcliffe founded the London School of Journalism. He was socially active and belonged to Our Society, a dining club devoted to the discussion of real and fictional crimes. In 1928, Pemberton was knighted. He died in London on February 22, 1950.
Pemberton was a prolific writer, penning more than seventy works during his lifetime. Most of his writings were novels, although he also wrote a number of plays, short stories, and nonfiction books and edited several literary volumes. The majority of his novels involve crime, mystery, or exotic adventure. His books often included accurate descriptions of modern inventions such as cars, planes, and ships. Although he was a popular writer, Pemberton’s work received little critical acclaim. Critics thought his plots were too contrived and his characters too shallow. His descriptions of modern conveniences seem out of place with Victorian era sentiments and style. Pemberton’s novels fell out of favor during his lifetime, and his work has largely been forgotten.