Thomas Ridley Sharpe, known as Tom Sharpe, was an English satirical novelist, renowned for his sharp wit and comedic prose. Born on March 30, 1928, in London, Sharpe became best known for his Wilt series, alongside notable works such as Porterhouse Blue and Blott on the Landscape, all three of which were adapted for television.

Educated at Lancing College and Pembroke College, Cambridge, Sharpe's early career included National Service with the Royal Marines before relocating to South Africa in 1951. In South Africa, Sharpe engaged in social work and teaching in Natal until his deportation in 1961 due to his opposition to the apartheid regime. His experiences during this time inspired the novels Riotous Assembly and Indecent Exposure.

From 1963 to 1972, Sharpe worked as a history lecturer at the Cambridge College of Arts and Technology. This period proved influential in the creation of his "Wilt" series, comprising Wilt, The Wilt Alternative, Wilt on High, and Wilt in Nowhere. Sharpe's novels are celebrated for their biting satire of socio-political issues, such as the apartheid regime, the education system, and English class snobbery.

Sharpe passed away on June 6, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of humorous and thought-provoking literature.