E.M. Forster was an English novelist and essayist, born on January 1, 1879, in London. He is best known for his novels such as A Room with a View, Howards End, and A Passage to India, which explore themes of class, social conventions, and human connection. Forster's writing often reflects his interest in the complexities of human relationships and the conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations. Forster was also a prominent critic of Edwardian society and a supporter of liberal humanism. He was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was illegal in England, which influenced his perspectives on love and identity. Forster's works continue to be celebrated for their rich character development and insightful commentary on early 20th-century life.