Edwin Lester Arnold

Edwin Lester Arnold (1857–1935) was an English author known for his contributions to the genre of science fiction and historical adventure novels. Born into a literary family—his father was Sir Edwin Arnold, a poet and journalist—Lester Arnold's literary career blossomed in the late 19th century, a period marked by the proliferation of adventure fiction. One of his most notable works includes 'The Wonderful Adventures of Phra the Phoenician' (1890), a novel that combines elements of historical fiction and fantasy, and prefigures the time travel genre, chronicling the titular character's episodic journeys through various epochs of English history. Arnold's narrative style often intertwined with an exploration of past civilizations and speculative futures, betraying a fascination with the possibilities of temporal adventure and anachronism. Though his writing might bear the hallmarks of his time, his work showcased an imaginative foresight that appealed to readers eager for escapism and adventure, characteristics that facilitated Arnold's modest acclaim during his lifetime. Arnold's influence waned after his death; however, his books have experienced a modest revival in interest among aficionados of early science fiction and historical novels, securing his place as a noteworthy contributor to the literary fabric of his era.