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Portrait

Walter Besant was an English novelist and historian, born on 14 August 1836 in Portsmouth, United Kingdom. He was the son of a prominent family, with his brother, William Henry Besant, also notable, and his other brother, Frank, married to Annie Besant, a well-known social activist and writer. Besant was educated at various schools and later attended the University of Oxford, where he developed his passion for literature. His early career involved work in the civil service before turning to writing. Besant is renowned for his novels, which often explored social conditions and historical themes, as well as his historical works. His literary career flourished with works such as All Sorts and Conditions of Men, which was well-received and later adapted into a play and film. Besant was also a founding member of the Royal Society of Literature. He married Mary Garrett in 1874, and the couple remained together until his death on 9 June 1901 in London, at the age of 64. Besant s legacy continues to influence both the novel and historical genres.