Elizabeth Jane Howard was an English author born on March 26, 1923, in London. She is best known for her Cazalet Chronicles, a series of novels that explore the lives of a British family before, during, and after World War II. Howard's writing is celebrated for its rich character development and vivid storytelling. In addition to her novels, Howard was also a successful writer of short stories and memoirs. Throughout her career, she received several literary awards and was recognized for her contributions to English literature. She passed away on January 2, 2014, leaving behind a significant literary legacy.