Enid Bagnold was a British author and playwright, born on April 27, 1889, in Newmarket, England. She is best known for her novel National Velvet, published in 1935, which tells the story of a young girl who trains a horse to compete in the Grand National. Bagnold's writing often explored themes of childhood and adventure. In addition to her novels, Bagnold wrote several plays, including The Chinese Nightingale and The Chalk Garden. Her work received critical acclaim, and she was recognized for her contributions to literature. Bagnold passed away on March 31, 1981, leaving a lasting legacy in English literature.