David Lodge is a British author and literary critic, born on January 28, 1935. He is best known for his novels that often explore themes of academia, culture, and the complexities of human relationships. Some of his notable works include Changing Places, Small World, and Nice Work, which blend humor with insightful commentary on contemporary life. In addition to his fiction, Lodge has written extensively on literature and has served as a professor of English literature. His contributions to literary criticism include works like The Art of Fiction and The Practice of Writing, where he discusses narrative techniques and the writing process.