John Metcalfe

William John Metcalfe (6 October 1891 – 31 July 1965) was an English teacher, short story writer and novelist from Norfolk, who twice emigrated to the United States.

Early life and education John Metcalfe was born in Heacham, Norfolk, on 6 October 1891. He studied philosophy at the University of London, graduating in 1913. He then taught in Paris until 1914.

War and teaching During the First World War, Metcalfe served in the Royal Naval Division, the Royal Naval Air Service, and then in the Royal Air Force.

After the war, Metcalfe taught for five years at Highgate Junior School in London, and began writing. His first book, The Smoking Leg and Other Stories, published in 1925, Brian Stableford noted how his stories "build up a unique sense of unease".

Novels

Spring Darkness, 1928, Constable (US title: Mrs Condover) Arm's Length, 1930, Constable Foster-Girl, 1936, Constable (US title: Sally) All Friends Are Strangers, 1944, Nicholson & Watson The Feasting Dead, 1954, Arkham House (reprinted 2014 by Valancourt Books) My Cousin Geoffrey, 1956, MacDonald & Co.

Collections The Smoking Leg, and Other Stories, London: Jarrolds, 1925 Judas, and Other Stories, London: Constable, 1931 Nightmare Jack and Other Tales, Ashcroft, British Columbia: Ash-Tree Press, 1998