The King's Jackal (ePub)

Richard Harding Davis (1864-1916) was a celebrated American journalist, war correspondent, and writer, whose narrative style merged factual reporting with literary finesse. Born on April 18, 1864, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Davis was a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th century's literary scenes. He was the son of prominent journalist L. Clarke Davis and novelist Rebecca Harding Davis, which ingrained in him a deep appreciation for storytelling and current events. After attending Lehigh University and later Johns Hopkins University, Davis embarked on a journalistic career that would take him across the world.

His fiction often reflected his thirst for adventure and eye for human interest. Works such as 'The King's Jackal' (1898) showcase his flair for romance and exotic locales, presenting readers with vivid imagery and engaging plotlines that were characteristic of his writing. Davis also penned several other successful novels, short stories, and plays, such as 'Soldiers of Fortune' (1897) and 'Gallegher and Other Stories' (1891). As a war correspondent, he covered important conflicts, including the Spanish-American War and World War I, influencing public opinion through his dispatches. Davis's work not only provides entertainment but also a window into the ethos and romanticized ideals of his time. He passed away on April 11, 1916, leaving behind a legacy of work that continues to be read and appreciated for its adventure, clarity, and style.