Edward Augustine Wyke-Smith was an English writer and mining engineer best known for his children's fantasy novel, The Marvellous Land of Snergs (1927). Born in London, Wyke-Smith led an adventurous life, working as an engineer in various corners of the world, including South America, Spain, and the Middle East, often in hazardous mining conditions. His experiences in these remote and rugged environments seem to have informed his writing, as his stories often feature imaginative landscapes and larger-than-life characters.

The Marvellous Land of Snergs became his most enduring work, celebrated for its whimsical humor and inventive storytelling. The book follows a group of small, stout, and resourceful creatures called Snergs, who inhabit a fantastical land and embark on extraordinary adventures. The Snergs are thought to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's hobbits, with Tolkien himself praising the book as a childhood favorite that influenced his creation of Middle-earth. Wyke-Smith’s blend of humor, danger, and richly imagined settings earned him a lasting place in the history of children's literature.

Though Wyke-Smith authored other novels for both children and adults, none achieved the acclaim of The Marvellous Land of Snergs. His career as an author was relatively brief, and he passed away in 1935 at the age of 64. Today, he is remembered primarily as a precursor to modern fantasy authors, with his work regarded as a charming and significant contribution to the genre.