Mary Kingsley was a British explorer and writer born on October 13, 1862. She is best known for her travels in West Africa during the late 19th century, where she studied local cultures and natural history. Kingsley defied the norms of her time by venturing into regions that were largely unexplored by Western women. Her notable works include "Travels in West Africa," published in 1897, which detailed her experiences and observations. Kingsley's writings contributed to the understanding of African societies and challenged stereotypes about African cultures. She passed away on June 3, 1900, while on an expedition to New Guinea.