Hugh Wheeler was one of the most unique playwrights of all time. He was innovative in his storytelling skills and could challenge the most prolific writer. In his life he wrote numerous plays and over 30 crime novels under three different pseudonyms. However, his award-winning works included the comedy Sweeney Todd, Candide and A Little Night Music. Take a look at Wheeler's life and look at each of these works as well. Look inside the man and the brilliant playwright. Hugh Wheeler was born on March 19, 1912 to parents, Harold, who was a public servant in the Office of the Public Trustee and Florence Wheeler, whose parents were in truck manufacturing. He was born in Northwood, Middlesex, England, (Obituary) and lived there until he was 22 years old. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of London in 1932 (Gale). After earning his degree, he decided to move to the United States and pursue his love of writing. He served in the US Armed Forces during World War II. He also became a naturalized American citizen in 1942. He remained in the United States until his death in 1987 (Obituary). There are few details about Wheeler's personal life except that he never married and lived privately (Document). He was highly respected in the literary world, in which he amassed numerous awards. As private as Wheeler was, one can only speculate as to why he wrote over 40 books under three different pseudonyms. His seemingly quiet private life may have been lived vicariously through the lives of the numerous characters he created in his crime novels. The Puzzle series of novels was his most popular and was written under the pseudonym Patrick Quentin and collaborated with Richard Webb (Obituar...... middle of paper ......udonyms. When he tired of writing novels, set out to become an award-winning playwright, winning awards for plays such as Sweeney Todd, Candide, and A Little Night Music. Hugh Wheeler was a very private man and one of the most brilliant playwrights of all time. Works Cited Billington, Michael "A Little Music night." The Guardian 8 April 2009. Document, Gale. "No 55 Hugh Wheeler." Independent on Sunday 13 June 2010. Gale. "Hugh Callingham Wheeler." Contemporary Authors Online 28 March 2011. Hampton, Wilborn. "Hugh Wheeler, award-winning playwright." New York Times July 28, 1987.LeonardBernstein.com. 2009. ."Obituary(Web)." Variety July 29, 1987.."Obituary(Web)." The Times, London, England July 30, 1987.Wheeler, Hugh. The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, New York: Dodd, Meade and Company, 1979.