Edmond Samuels graduated from Sydney University and worked for a while as a pharmacist. During World War I he served as an Officer of the Guard at internment camps at Holdsworthy, Trial Bay and Berrima, later describing the conditions under which internees were held, concluding that they 'nobly upholds [sic] the traditions of our great Empire'. In his Preface to this book he explains, 'I was mobilised for service and volunteered with the A.I.F. and was rejected, hence my position as Officer of the Guard.'
Samuels wrote lyrics and music for a number of published songs and wrote the story, lyrics and music for the successful 1950 musical 'The Highwayman', songs from which were commercially recorded. It was also adapted for ABC Radio. He was the brother of Louis Samuels.