James Allen (November 28, 1864 – January 24, 1912) was a British philosophical writer renowned for his inspirational books and poetry, and is considered a pioneer of the self-help movement. His most famous work, "As a Man Thinketh," published in 1903, has been widely mass-produced and continues to inspire readers globally.

Born in Leicester, England, Allen was the elder of two brothers in a working-class family. His mother was illiterate, and his father, William, worked as a factory knitter. In 1879, following a downturn in the textile industry, his father traveled to the United States seeking employment to support the family. Tragically, within two days of arriving in New York City, William was found dead, presumed to be a victim of robbery and murder. At the age of 15, Allen left school to work and support his family. 

Throughout the 1890s, Allen held positions as a private secretary and stationer in various British manufacturing firms. In 1893, he moved to London, and later to South Wales, where he engaged in journalism and reporting. It was in South Wales that he met Lily Louisa Oram, whom he married in 1895. In 1898, Allen began writing for "The Herald of the Golden Age," a magazine that aligned with his spiritual and social interests. This period marked the beginning of his prolific writing career, with his first book, "From Poverty to Power," published in 1901. The following year, he started his own spiritual magazine, "The Light of Reason," which was later renamed "The Epoch." 

The publication of "As a Man Thinketh" in 1903, inspired by the biblical proverb "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7), brought Allen posthumous fame as a foundational figure in modern inspirational thought. The success of this work enabled him to leave his secretarial job and fully dedicate himself to writing and editing. In 1903, Allen and his family relocated to Ilfracombe, Devon, where he continued to produce literary works at an impressive rate, authoring more than one book per year until his death in 1912. 

After Allen's passing, his wife, Lily, continued publishing "The Epoch," ensuring that his philosophical insights remained accessible to the public. Allen's writings emphasize the profound impact of thought on personal development and have influenced countless readers and authors in the self-help genre. His legacy endures, with "As a Man Thinketh" remaining a seminal text in personal development literature.