John Kendrick Bangs (1862–1922) was an American author, humorist, editor, and satirist, renowned for his idiosyncratic blend of comedic fantasy and nonsensical escapism. His contributions to the landscape of American literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by a unique literary style that combined wit and whimsy to charm his readers. Bangs penned several books across different genres but is best known for his creation of the 'Bangsian fantasy' genre—a niche of storytelling that revolves around the concept of the afterlife being similar to the social world of the living, wherein famous historical characters interact in whimsical scenarios. His mastery of this genre is exemplified in his series of stories about Raffles Holmes, the son of Sherlock Holmes' nemesis Raffles, which has been compiled in 'THE COMPLETE RAFFLES SERIES – 45+ Short Stories & A Novel in One Volume.' His contribution to the canon of detective fiction is noted for its light-heartedness and continues to entertain readers with its clever plots and engaging dialogue. Bangs served as the editor of several magazines including Harper's Weekly, and his legacy in the literary world persists through the ongoing enjoyment and study of his extensive body of work.