John Boynton Priestley OM ( 13 September 1894 â `` 14 August 1984 ) was an English novelist , playwright and broadcaster Generally , he is known as J.B. Priestley . John Boynton Priestley , OM ( 13 September 1894 Â â `` 14 August 1984 ) , known as J.B. Priestley , was an English novelist , playwright and broadcaster .