William Kirby was an English author and naturalist, best known for his work in entomology, the study of insects. He was born in 1759 and became a prominent figure in the scientific community of his time. Kirby is particularly recognized for his contributions to the understanding of insects through his writings, including the influential book titled Entomology. In addition to his work in entomology, Kirby was also a clergyman and a member of the Royal Society. His passion for natural history led him to collaborate with other scientists, including William Spence, with whom he co-authored the well-known book, Introduction to Entomology. Kirby's legacy continues to influence the field of entomology today.