A prolific author of novels and short stories of mystery, crime, and international intrigue, William Le Queux is best remembered as the writer who set the guidelines for all subsequent British spy fiction until the advent of Eric Ambler. Though Le Queux's stories may be faulted for their often heavy padding, particularly in their treatment of love affairs, they are notable for what they reveal about his impressive knowledge of military and political affairs and his fascination with the intricacies of criminal activity.

Born to a French father and a British mother, William Tufnell Le Queux was educated privately in London and at Pegli, near Genoa, Italy. After studying art in Paris under Spiridon and touring France and Germany on foot, he returned to England, where he drifted into journalism. At first Le Queux reported police-court cases for the Eastbourne Gazette, after which he joined the staff of...