Hodgson, William Hope

William Hope Hodgson was the son of an Anglican priest who grew up in England and Ireland alongside his eleven sisters and brothers. He became a sailor at the age of thirteen and eventually received his mate’s certificate. Life at sea did not suit him, however, and in 1899 he settled in Blackburn where he opened a school of physical culture. Hodgson had to work extra as a reporter and photographer for various newspapers and magazines to make ends meet, and when he discovered he had a talent for telling stories he closed down the school and focused on writing. He is primarily known for his horror fiction, but he also produced science fiction, fantasy, adventure stories and poetry. Many of his most famous stories are set at sea.