Wilkie Collins

Author:
Wilkie Collins

Date of birth: 08-Jan-1824
Place of birth: Marylebone, England

About the author:
Wilkie Collins (1824–1889) was a pioneering English novelist and playwright, widely regarded as one of the earliest masters of the mystery and detective genres. Born on January 8, 1824, in Marylebone, London, Collins was the son of noted painter William Collins. Initially pursuing a career in law, he was called to the bar in 1851, though his passion for storytelling led him to focus on writing instead.

Collins achieved fame with his gripping novels, particularly The Woman in White (1860), which is celebrated for its intricate plot and suspenseful narrative. His later work, The Moonstone (1868), is considered one of the first detective novels in English literature, introducing many tropes that would define the genre.

A close friend and collaborator of Charles Dickens, Collins contributed to Dickens's magazine All the Year Round and often toured with him, performing in plays and readings. Despite his success, Collins struggled with health issues and a laudanum addiction, which influenced some of his later writings.

Collins's legacy endures as a key figure in Victorian literature, known for his masterful storytelling, memorable characters, and ground-breaking contributions to popular fiction.