I.A. Richards was a British literary critic and poet, born in 1893 and known for his influential work in the field of literary theory. He is best recognized for his contributions to the study of rhetoric and poetics, particularly through his books like "Practical Criticism" and "The Philosophy of Rhetoric." His ideas emphasized the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological effects of language in literature. Richards also played a significant role in the development of New Criticism, a movement that focused on close reading and the analysis of texts without considering external factors like authorial intent or historical context. He was a professor at Cambridge University and contributed to the education of many students in the field of English literature.