Collins, Wilkie: - Born in London in 1824, Wilkie Collins was the son of landscape painter William Collins and his wife, Harriet Geddes. His early exposure to art and culture, including time spent in Italy and France, influenced his literary pursuits. Initially working as a tea merchant, Collins eventually turned to writing, publishing his first novel, Antonina, in 1850.Collins's friendship with Charles Dickens, whom he met in 1851, significantly impacted his career. Dickens became both a mentor and collaborator, with Collins contributing to Dickens's journals and co-writing plays. During the 1860s, Collins achieved fame with novels like The Woman in White and The Moonstone, the latter often regarded as the first modern detective novel.Despite his literary success, Collins faced personal challenges, including health issues that led to laudanum addiction. He maintained unconventional relationships with two women, Caroline Graves and Martha Rudd, fathering three children with Rudd. Collins continued to write until his death in 1889, leaving a lasting legacy in the mystery and detective genres.