Born in England in either 1909 or 1911 of Russo-Polish origins, educated at a London secondary school. Before making a career as writer, worked as travelling salesman, wrestler, night-club proprietor, cinema manager, banker's assistant, labourer, bodyguard, bookmaker's clerk, debt collector and barman. First book "Jews and Jehovah" 1934. Several more novels, and many short-stories followed; began to gain reputation as one of the leading short-story writers of period.At start of WWII joined Coldstream Guards, writing column for a London newspaper while in training. Next book, "They Die With Their Boots Clean", written around the Guards training and tradition, became instant success. At the same time was writing regualr weekly article for a Sunday paper, several radio programs dealing with war subjects, and several propaganda films. After the war wrote "The Dead Look On", dealing with Lidice massacre, and more novels dealing with the more war, or with fantasy or science-fiction elements. Short-story output continued, again often containg fantasy or sf matters.