Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu - Checkmate

Born into a literary family in Dublin, Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu displayed an early passion for writing, publishing his first story by 1838. His works often reflect themes of gothic horror, nostalgia for a dispossessed Irish Catholic aristocracy, and psychological introspection. After marrying Susanna Bennett, whose mental health struggles deeply affected him, Le Fanu's writing flourished, producing notable works that redefined supernatural fiction. He became a significant figure in 19th-century literature before his death in 1873, leaving behind a legacy of haunting tales.