Lawrence George Durrell was an expatriate British novelist, poet, dramatist, and travel writer, renowned for his vivid storytelling and cosmopolitan outlook. Despite his British roots, Durrell preferred to be regarded as a cosmopolitan individual, distancing himself from any singular national identity. His literary career was both prolific and distinguished, marking him as one of the most celebrated writers in England by the end of the 20th century.

Born in India to British colonial parents, Durrell's early life was marked by a move to England at the age of eleven for his education. Despite his distaste for formal education, he began writing poetry at 15 and published his first book by the age of 23. His life thereafter was characterized by extensive travels and residences around the globe, enriching his writing with diverse cultural and geographical influences.

His most acclaimed work, The Alexandria Quartet, published between 1957 and 1960, is celebrated for its innovative narrative techniques and rich exploration of themes such as love, power, and betrayal. The series' first novel, Justine, remains particularly renowned. Following this success, Durrell published The Avignon Quintet, employing similar literary strategies. The first of these novels, Monsieur, or the Prince of Darkness, won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1974, while the middle novel, Constance, or Solitary Practices, was nominated for the 1982 Booker Prize.

In addition to his fictional works, Durrell's Bitter Lemons of Cyprus (1957) stands out as a celebrated travel memoir, winning the Duff Cooper Prize. His correspondence with author Henry Miller spanned forty-five years, with Miller significantly influencing Durrell's work. Durrell's life was also marked by his service in the Foreign Service of the British government, which provided further inspiration for his writing. He was married four times and had a daughter with each of his first two wives.