Leslie Stephen (1832–1904) was an English author, literary critic, and historian. He was also a noted mountaineer and the father of Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell. Stephen began his career as a clergyman but later turned to writing. He became the editor of the "Dictionary of National Biography," contributing many entries himself. Stephen's body of work includes books on philosophy, ethics, and biographies, as well as essays on literature and society. He was an influential figure in the intellectual circles of his time and a member of the Metaphysical Society. His works reflect his strong moral convictions and his interests in history, literature, and mountain climbing. His approach to criticism was notable for its emphasis on the historical context and the moral dimensions of literary works.