Henry Handel Richardson was the pen name of Australian author Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson, born on January 3, 1870, in Melbourne, Australia. She is best known for her novels that explore themes of identity, culture, and the human experience. Her most famous work, The Getting of Wisdom, reflects her own experiences growing up in a strict educational environment. Richardson's writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose and deep psychological insight. She was a prominent figure in the Australian literary scene during the early 20th century and contributed significantly to the development of Australian literature. She passed away on March 20, 1946.