Talbot Mundy (1879–1940) was an English writer best known for his works of adventure fiction, often set in exotic locales. Born William Lancaster Gribbon, Mundy began his career as a journalist and world traveler, experiences that informed his vivid storytelling. He embraced Eastern philosophies and incorporated them into his narratives, which was somewhat unusual for Western writers at the time. Mundy moved to the United States in 1909 and eventually became a naturalized citizen. His writings, including the notable 'Queen Cleopatra' (1929), are characterized by their detailed depictions of other cultures and civilizations. Mundy's portrayal of Cleopatra aims to capture not only the historical figure but also the mystical aura that surrounds her legacy, using her storied past as a canvas for his blend of adventure, mysticism, and romance. Aside from 'Queen Cleopatra', Mundy is often remembered for his Jimgrim series and his seminal work 'King of the Khyber Rifles', which further established his reputation for richly woven tales of intrigue and heroism. His literary style, steeped in the exoticism of the places he depicted, has been both lauded for its imagination and critiqued for its colonial perspectives. Despite this, Mundy's contributions to the adventure genre remain a significant part of early 20th-century English literature.