Edward Frederic Benson (1867-1940) was a prolific English novelist, biographer, memoirist, and short story writer, best known for his masterfully satirical 'Mapp and Lucia' series. Born in Wellington College, Berkshire, where his father was headmaster, Benson hailed from an intellectually robust family; his father became the Archbishop of Canterbury, and his siblings were also accomplished writers. Benson's literary career encompassed a wide range of genres, but his acute social observations and wry humor have endured through the decades. His 'Dodo' books—'Dodo: A Detail of the Day' (1893), 'Dodo's Daughter' (1913), and 'Dodo Wonders' (1921)—exemplified his gift for satire, as he poked fun at the foibles of Edwardian society. These works, compiled in 'The Complete Dodo Trilogy', offer a snapshot of the zeitgeist through the lens of its eponymous heroine, Dodo, and her motley circle of friends. E. F. Benson's writing was marked by a lightness of touch, wit, and a penchant for poking fun at the upper classes and their extravagant lifestyles. Beyond the 'Dodo' series, Benson was also known for his supernatural fiction, including ghost stories that were popular at the time. His body of work remains a significant contribution to early 20th-century English literature, providing not only entertainment but also insights into the social fabric of his times.