Robert Smythe Hichens (1864-1950) was an English journalist and novelist. Born in Speldhurst in Kent, he was educated at Clifton College, the Royal College of Music, and the London School of Journalism. He wrote lyrics for music, stories, and collaborated in successful plays. He is best remembered now, perhaps, for his satire on Oscar Wilde, The Green Carnation (1894). His novels that were made into films are The Garden of Allah (1905) and The Paradine Case (1933). Amongst his other works are: Flames (1897), The Prophet of Berkeley Square (1902), The Woman with the Fan (1904), The Call of the Blood (1906), The Spell of Egypt (1908), The Way of Ambition (1913), In the Wilderness (1917) and December Love (1922).