James Allen is a British writer known for his self-help books and poetry. He was born on 28 November 1864. His father, William, worked in a factory as a knitter. In 1879 his father moved to America in search of work to support his family. Two days after arrival, he was announced dead by New York City Hospital, in case of a robbery and murder. At that time Allen was fifteen, and he faced an economic crisis. He was forced to leave school and find work to support his family. Allen got a job as a private secretary and stationer in several British manufacturing firms in the 1890s. He moved to London and then to South Wales to pursue journalism and reporting in 1893. In 1895 he married Lily Louisa Oram in South Wales. In 1898, he found a job where he could showcase his interest as a writer. Allen published his first book From Poverty to Power in 1901. In 1902, he started producing many books under the title, The Epoch. On 24 January 1912, he took his last breath. After his demise, his wife continued publishing the magazine under The Epoch.