E. M. Hull

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Between 1919 and 1939 EMH produced seven novels, among them her three famous desert romances, and one travel book. Her first novel, the ground-breaking desert romance The Sheik, virtually established the conventions of the genre. It became a huge best-seller, as well as a highly successful Hollywood film starring Rudolph Valentino . EMH 's novels tend to feature exotic settings and romance between much older men and the women they eventually win to love them.
Black-and-white photograph of a drawing of E.M. Hull. She is shown from the shoulders up, wearing circular, wire-rimmed spectacles, and her hair rolled loosely on top of her head.

Milestones

16 August 1880

Edith Maud Henderson (later EMH ) was born in London, at 28 Marlborough Hill, her parents' only daughter.
Matthew, Henry Colin Gray et al., editors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. http://www.oxforddnb.com/.

1919

EMH published her first novel, the best-selling desert romance, The Sheik. This book first put the desert on the map as being a good place for sex.
Anderson, Rachel. The Purple Heart Throbs. Hodder and Stoughton.
184
Matthew, Henry Colin Gray et al., editors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. http://www.oxforddnb.com/.

11 February 1947

After a short illness, EMH died at her home: Holmeside, Hazelwood, Derbyshire.
Matthew, Henry Colin Gray et al., editors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. http://www.oxforddnb.com/.

Biography

Birth and Background

16 August 1880

Edith Maud Henderson (later EMH ) was born in London, at 28 Marlborough Hill, her parents' only daughter.
Matthew, Henry Colin Gray et al., editors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. http://www.oxforddnb.com/.

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