About
Archibald Joseph Cronin was born in Cardross, Scotland. After studying medicine at the University of Glasgow, he practiced as a physician, notably as a medical inspector of mines. His first novel, Hatter's Castle (1931), was an immediate success, leading him to devote himself to writing. His works, such as The Citadel (1937), criticized medical practices and influenced the creation of the NHS. Several of his novels were adapted for film and television, including the series Dr Finlay's Casebook.
* 1896-07-19 — † 1981-01-06
Major works
- Hatter's Castle (1931)novel
- The Stars Look Down (1935)novel
- The Citadel (1937)novel
- The Keys of the Kingdom (1942)novel
- The Green Years (1944)novel
Key milestones
- 1924Appointed Medical Inspector of Mines for Great Britain.
- 1937The Citadel wins the U.S. National Book Award for Favorite Fiction.
- 1962The BBC television series Dr Finlay's Casebook, based on his stories, begins airing.
Themes
medicine and ethicssocial injusticeambition and successfaith and spiritualityScottish provincial life
Sources: webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk · britannica.com · manuscripts.nls.uk