James Allen (November 28, 1864 - 1912) was a writer of inspirational books and poetry. Born in Leicester, England, James was 15 when his father, a businessman, was robbed and murdered. He left school to work full-time in several British manufacturing firms to help support the family. Eventually he married and became an executive secretary for a large company. At age 38, he retired from employment and he and his wife moved to a small cottage in Ilfracombe, of Devon, England to pursue a simple life of contemplation. There he wrote for 9 years producing over 20 works. James Allen died in 1912, at age 48.