Henry Rider Haggard was a British author born on June 22, 1856, in Norfolk, England. He is best known for his adventure novels set in Africa, particularly the famous work King Solomon's Mines, published in 1885. Haggard's writing often features themes of exploration, colonialism, and the clash of cultures. Haggard was also a prominent figure in the Victorian literary scene and contributed to the genre of fantasy literature. His works inspired many later authors and filmmakers, influencing the adventure genre significantly. He passed away on May 16, 1925, leaving behind a legacy of captivating stories.