Oliver Onions changed his name to George Oliver in 1918 but always signed his original surname to his popular short stories and novels. His wife was the popular romantic novelist Berta Ruck; she was born in India under the Raj in 1878 and died in England one century later. Onions and his wife each adapted their copious literary productions to satisfy the changing tastes of the public. As novelists, both published frequently and built up popular followings for their fiction; in time, they also overcame critical objections to prolific publication. Theirs was an age when the inexpensive book brought comfort to the lonely, entertainment to the idle, and information to the curious. Popular authors such as Onions and Ruck built up loyal readerships and needed only the occasional hit to maintain their careers.

Born 13 November 1872 in the manufacturing town of Bradford, Oliver Onions grew up with an unusual interest in...