Bonamy Dobrée (1891-1974) came from a family of bankers. He studied at a military academy and served in France and in the Middle East during World War I. He then studied at Cambridge (1921-1924), specialising in 18th century English literature, taught English in London (England) and at the University of Cairo (1925-1929) and became professor of English literature at the University of Leeds (1936-1955). He met most of the important authors of his time, and wrote studies, poems, one novel and one play.