W.E. Johns (William Earl Johns) was an English writer born on February 5, 1893, and passed away on June 21, 1968. He is best known for creating the character James Bigglesworth, commonly known as Biggles, a fictional pilot and adventurer who first appeared in the 1932 novel The Camels Are Coming. Johns had a background as a pilot and served as a fighter pilot during World War I, which greatly influenced his writing. His experiences in aviation and the military provided rich material for his stories, which often featured daring aerial exploits and adventures set against the backdrop of both World Wars.
Over the years, Johns wrote numerous Biggles books, which became popular among children and young adults. The series included thrilling air battles and themes of friendship, bravery, and the spirit of adventure. There are more than 90 Biggles stories, spanning novels and short stories. Aside from the Biggles series, Johns wrote other works, including stories about various characters and subjects, but Biggles remains his most enduring legacy. The character has appeared in various adaptations, including radio shows, films, and comic strips, and continues to attract readers even decades after Johns’s death. W.E. Johns’ contributions to children’s literature, particularly in the genre of adventure and aviation, have made him a notable figure in British literary history.
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 