Caryl Phillips is a British author and playwright, born on March 13, 1958, in St. Kitts. He moved to England at a young age and has since become known for his exploration of themes related to identity, race, and the African diaspora. His works often reflect his own experiences as a person of Caribbean descent living in Britain. Phillips has written several acclaimed novels, essays, and plays, including Crossing the River and The Nature of Blood. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to literature, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Prize.