John Cleland was an English novelist, best known for his controversial novel, Fanny Hill: or, the Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure. His work, recognized for its erotic content, led to his arrest. Born on 24 September 1709, in Kingston upon Thames, England, Cleland was the youngest son of William Cleland, a British Army officer, and Lucy Du Pass.

He grew up in London, where his family was financially secure and mingled with notable literary and artistic figures, including Alexander Pope and Horace Walpole. Cleland attended Westminster School from 1721 until 1723, leaving under circumstances not fully recorded. Despite his brief formal education, Cleland's literary contributions have marked a significant point in English literature.

Described by James Boswell as "a sly, old malcontent," John Cleland's legacy is dominated by his involvement in the scandal surrounding his infamous novel. He died in London on 23 January 1789.