Winston Mawdsley Graham OBE, originally born as Winston Grime, was an acclaimed English novelist. Born on 30 June 1908, he became widely recognized for his series of historical novels set in Cornwall, known as the Poldark series. Besides this, he authored numerous other works, including contemporary thrillers, period novels, short stories, non-fiction, and plays.

Initially writing under a pseudonym, he legally changed his name from Grime to Graham on 7 May 1947. Over his career, Graham wrote over 40 novels, many of which have been translated globally. His book Marnie was notably adapted into a film by the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock. Other works have also graced the big screen.

He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL), and in 1983, he was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Upon his passing on 10 July 2003, he left behind a son and daughter.