James Allen was a British author of philosophical books in the early 1900s. He is best known for his book, "As a Man Thinketh," published in 1903. He is widely regarded as a pioneer in the motivational/self-help movement. His down-to-earth message of positive thinking and self-empowerment has spread around the world and influenced the writings of contemporary authors, including Norman Vincent Peale's "The Power of Positive Thinking" and Joshua Liebman's "Peace of Mind."