Saki, the pen name of Hector Hugh Munro (1870–1916), stands as a distinguished British writer known for his witty, mischievous, and sometimes macabre stories that satirize Edwardian society and culture. Born in Akyab, British Burma, Munro's early life was marked by the death of his mother, after which he was sent to England and raised by strict aunts. This upbringing would later influence his literary work, where aunts frequently featured as antagonistic figures. Saki's education at Pencarwick School in Exmouth and Bedford Grammar School provided him with a solid foundation in the classics, fostering his development as a writer and sharp observer of society. Before embarking on his career as a writer, he joined the Burmese military police, a tenure that was short-lived due to health problems, prompting his return to England. Saki's writing is characterized by a blend of the whimsical and the sardonic, marked by a polished prose style and a masterful command of dialogue. His best-known short story collections include 'Reginald' (1904), 'Reginald in Russia' (1910), and 'The Chronicles of Clovis' (1911), which convey his gift for social satire and keen psychological insight. Although 'The Rise of the Russian Empire', a historical work, is less known, it does showcase Saki's breadth as a writer and remains an important part of his oeuvre. Throughout his career, Saki remained a prolific contributor to newspapers and magazines, where many of his stories first appeared. Despite his premature death in World War I, Saki left an indelible mark on English literature, influencing generations of writers to come.