Pu Songling was a Chinese writer born in 1640 in what is now Shandong province. He is best known for his collection of supernatural tales titled Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, which features ghost stories, folklore, and elements of fantasy. His work reflects the social and cultural issues of his time, often critiquing the rigid Confucian society. Despite his literary talent, Pu Songling struggled to achieve success during his lifetime, failing the imperial examinations multiple times. His stories gained popularity posthumously, influencing later generations of writers and contributing to the genre of Chinese literature focused on the supernatural and the bizarre.