Hector Hugh Munro, better known by his pen name Saki, was a master of short story writing, known for his witty, mischievous, and sometimes macabre stories that satirized Edwardian society and culture. Born on December 18, 1870, in Akyab, Burma (now Sittwe, Myanmar), Saki was the son of Charles Augustus Munro, an inspector general for the Burmese police. After his mother's death, Saki was sent to England, where he was raised by two strict aunts whose influence can be seen in the oppressive adult figures in many of his works. Saki's education at Bedford and Exmouth before attending the prestigious Bedford Grammar School informed much of his literary style and subject matter. His military service during World War I cut his burgeoning literary career short when he was killed in action in 1916. However, Saki's legacy endures through his collected works, of which 'The Complete Works of Saki (Illustrated)' is an exemplary compendium. Saki's storytelling is characterized by a mixture of politeness, savage humor, and an appreciation for the absurd. His narrative voice was innovative for its time, and his influence can be seen in the writings of modern satirists and humorists. Saki remains a distinguished figure in the English literary canon, an author who brought keen insight and a unique, piercing wit to the short story form.