The Work of John Collier 1John Collier, a contemporary English author, was born in London, England on May 3,1901 and lived his last years in Palisades, California where he died of a stroke on April 6, 1980. Collier was a writer of the 1920's era, educated in post-Victorian England, and according to Anthony Burgess in the London Times. He was known for "literary allusiveness and quiet wit" (Contemporary Authors 111). A collection of his most memorable works was published in 1972 entitled The John Collier Reader. His literary style reached beyond his native country and became popular in the United States. John Collier's writings are full of surprises.