Nicholas John Turney Monsarrat, known as Nicholas Monsarrat, was a distinguished British novelist celebrated for his gripping sea stories. Born on 22 March 1910 in Liverpool, he was educated at Winchester and Trinity College, Cambridge. Although he initially intended to pursue a legal career, his passion for writing prevailed. Monsarrat moved to London, where he made a living as a freelance writer while penning four novels and a play in just five years (1934–1939).

His experiences during the 1931 Invergordon Naval Mutiny sparked his interest in politics and socio-economic issues. Despite being a pacifist, Monsarrat served in World War II, initially joining an ambulance brigade and later enlisting in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR). His lifelong love of sailing contributed to his success as a naval officer.

Monsarrat gained widespread acclaim for his novels, particularly The Cruel Sea (1951) and Three Corvettes (1942–1945). His international recognition further soared with The Tribe That Lost Its Head and its sequel, Richer Than All His Tribe.