Walter Besant (14 August 1836 – 9 June 1901) was an English novelist and historian. He was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, the son of a merchant, and was educated at St Paul's School and King's College London. He worked as a clerk in the London Stock Exchange from 1852 to 1859. Besant began his literary career as a writer of fiction, publishing his first novel, All in a Garden Fair, in 1872. He went on to write over 50 novels, many of which were set in London and the East End. His works often explored social issues, such as poverty and the plight of the working classes. He also wrote several historical works, including The Story of London (1893) and The History of thebes (1895). Besant was a prominent member of the Fabian Society and a co-founder of the Royal Society of Literature. He was also a member of the Society of Authors and the Royal Historical Society. He was knighted in 1895 for his services to literature.
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