john boynton priestley om (13 september 1894 – 14 august 1984) was born in bradford and died in stratford-upon-avon. he was an english novelist, playwright and broadcaster generally, he is known as j.b. priestley. he published 26 novels. his best-known works include "the good companions" (1929) and "an inspector calls" (1946) which were two of his many many creations including his characters. he also wrote social and literary criticism.