(13 March 1884 – 1 June 1941) was an English novel
ist. A prolific writer, he published thirty-six novels, five volumes of short stories, two plays and three volumes of memoirs. His skill at scene-setting, his vivid plots, his high profile as a lecturer and his driving ambition brought him a large readership in the United Kingdom and North America. A best-selling author in the 1920s and 1930s, his works have been neglected since his death.
Walpole was born in Auckland
, New Zealand, the eldest of three children of the Rev George Henry Somerset Walpole (1854–1929), Canon
of St Mary's Cathedral, Auckland (later Bishop of Edinburgh
from 1910 to 1929) and his wife, Mildred Helen née Barham (1854–1925).
Don't play for safety. It's the most dangerous thing in the world.
The whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly and a thousand other things well.
I am asking you again to marry me as I did a fortnight ago.
Over this country, when the giant Eagle flings the shadow of his wing, the land is darkened. So compact is it that the wing covers all its extent in one pause of the flight. The sea breaks on the pale line of the shore; to the Eagle's proud glance waves run in to the foot of the hills that are like rocks planted in green water.