Charles G. Finney

Charles G. Finney was an American journalist and author, known primarily for his first novel The Circus of Doctor Lao, which won the inaugural National Book Award in 1935 for Most Original Book. His stories combine modernism and fantasy in a unique way that was an influence on many authors, notably Ray Bradbury.

He served with the US Army in the late 20s, which is the subject of his only autobiographical work, the Old China Hands. He lived most of his life in Pima, Arizona where he worked as a newspaper reporter. He was named after his great grandfather, Charles Grandison Finney, who was one of the most famous preachers of his day.