W.W. Jacobs was a British author and playwright best known for his short story "The Monkey's Paw." Born in London in 1863, Jacobs worked as a sailor and a clerk before turning to writing full-time. His humorous tales often explored the supernatural, and his vivid descriptions and engaging characters have made his stories beloved classics of English literature. He published several collections of stories during his lifetime, including Many Cargoes and Sea Whispers, and his works continue to be widely read and adapted for stage and screen to this day.