Muriel Spark was a Scottish novelist and poet, best known for her sharp wit and innovative narrative style. Born on February 1, 1918, in Edinburgh, she gained fame with her novel The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, published in 1961. Spark's works often explore themes of morality, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Throughout her career, Spark published over 20 novels, along with short stories and essays. She was recognized for her contributions to literature with several awards, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Golden Booker Prize. Spark passed away on April 13, 2006, leaving a lasting legacy in modern literature.