Locke was educated in London and studied at the Royal College of Music. He later went to work as a teacher in London, where he met his future wife, May Bellamy. The couple married in 1895 and had a son, Adrian.
Locke published his first novel, At the Gate of Samaria, in 1895, which received mixed reviews. However, his second novel, The Morals of Marcus Ordeyne, published in 1905, was more successful and helped establish Locke’s reputation as a novelist. The novel tells the story of a man who, having lost his fortune and love, decides to live a life of idealism and self-sacrifice.
Locke’s next novel, The Beloved Vagabond, published in 1906, was his most successful novel. The novel tells the story of a famous violinist who falls in love with a young woman who is a street performer. The novel is a romantic comedy and has been adapted into several films and stage productions.
Locke was a prolific writer and continued to publish novels, plays, and adaptations throughout his career. In 1915, Locke wrote the play The Morals of Marcus Ordeyne, which was adapted into a film in 1921. The film starred Ivor Novello, who was a popular actor and playwright at the time. The film was a critical and commercial success and made Locke’s reputation as a screenwriter.
Locke continued to write during the 1920s and 1930s and produced several successful novels and plays. Some of his most popular novels during this period were The House of Baltazar, The Red Planet, and The Fortunate Youth. Locke died on May 15, 1930.
Locke’s writing has been praised for its beautiful prose and its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers. His novels often include themes of love, loss, and the meaning of life. His characters are very human and relatable, making his stories easy to connect with. Locke’s work has been compared to that of H.G. Wells and Somerset Maugham, who were contemporaries of his.
In conclusion, William John Locke was a brilliant writer whose work has stood the test of time. His novels and plays continue to be enjoyed by readers around the world, and his influence can be seen in many modern writers. Locke’s ability to craft beautiful prose and tell compelling stories has made him one of the most beloved authors of the early 20th century. His legacy will continue to inspire and entertain readers for generations to come.