"This paper is an attempt on the part of the author to become familiar with the life and works of a novelist who is of interest to librarians. Chapter I is a biographical sketch of Hilton. In several places Hilton speaks for himself, giving his ideas on youth, eduction, literature and his own life. Chapter II treats his most important novels from the standpoint of plot and theme, and gives a representative sampling of critical judgments and opinions"--Introduction. / Typescript. / "August, 1959." / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts." / Advisor: Louis Shores, Professor Directing Paper. / Includes bibliographical references.