The Old Man of the Sea

Known for his farcical comedies, William Wymark Jacobs captured the essence of dockside and rural Essex life through his engaging characters. He occasionally ventured into horror, with "The Monkey's Paw" being his most famous work. Jacobs's literary journey began in 1879 as a clerk, leading to his first published short story in 1885. His gradual rise to success included a notable moment when he declined a lucrative offer for six stories, ultimately achieving financial independence by leaving the Post Office in 1899.