A.J. Cronin was a Scottish author who excelled in writing nonfiction, literature, and fiction novels. He is widely recognized for his significant work, "The Citadel," which was published in 1937. This novel tells the story of a Welsh doctor who rapidly advances in London's medical field. Cronin drew from his personal experiences as a Medical Inspector of Mines and a doctor in Harley Street to create this compelling narrative. "The Citadel" proved to be a groundbreaking work, as it delved into controversial medical ethics of the time and ultimately contributed to the establishment of the National Health Service.
Cronin's life and career are marked by remarkable achievements and best-selling novels. According to Wikipedia, he was known as one of the most distinguished storytellers of the twentieth century, with "The Citadel" and "The Keys of the Kingdom" as his most celebrated works. These novels gained further recognition when they were adapted into Oscar-nominated films. Moreover, Cronin is the creative mind behind the Dr. Finlay character, who became the central figure in a series of stories that led to the successful BBC television and radio series "Dr. Finlay's Casebook."