Herbert Ernest Bates (16 May 1905 – 29 January 1974), better known as H. E. Bates, was an English writer, known for his gritty realistic short stories (he wrote more than 25 collections) and novels set in the early to mid 20th century of England mainly. He was from the countryside and adored flowers and gardening (writing two books on gardening), so much of his writing is informed by this. The semi-autobiographical "Love for Lydia" has exquisite descriptions of nature in winter, and of the big grounds of Aspen Hall where he meets Lydia. They help give the book a nostalgic beauty, the descriptions of the passing seasons becoming a poignant backdrop to the ups and downs of Edward Richardson and Lydia Aspen's relationship. His best-known works include Love for Lydia, Fair Stood the Wind for France,The Darling Buds of May, as well as My Uncle Silas. Many of his short stories were turned into tv series by British television in the 1970s.
