Sir Henry Rider Haggard, KBE, was an English writer of adventure fiction romances set in exotic locations, predominantly Africa, and a pioneer of the lost world literary genre. Born on 22 June 1856 and passing away on 14 May 1925, Haggard's stories were situated at the lighter end of Victorian literature. His works, including the eighteen Allan Quatermain stories beginning with King Solomon's Mines, continue to be popular and influential.

In addition to his literary contributions, Haggard was actively involved in land reform throughout the British Empire. He was made a Knight Bachelor in 1912 and a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1919. Despite his unsuccessful attempt to enter Parliament as a Conservative candidate for the Eastern division of Norfolk, his impact on literature and agricultural reform remained significant.