Arthur Waley, born Arthur David Waley on August 19, 1889, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, was a prominent British orientalist and translator whose work significantly contributed to the Western understanding of Chinese and Japanese literature. He passed away on June 27, 1966, in London, leaving behind a legacy that has influenced generations of scholars and readers alike.

Waley's early life was marked by a strong academic inclination. He attended St. John's College, Cambridge, where he studied classical literature and later developed an interest in East Asian languages. His passion for learning led him to study Chinese and Japanese, which he pursued with dedication, ultimately becoming an esteemed authority on these subjects.

Waley's literary career began in earnest in the 1920s, when he started translating classical texts from Chinese and Japanese into English. His notable works include "The Tale of Genji," a translation of the classic Japanese novel by Murasaki Shikibu, and "The Analects of Confucius," which made Confucian philosophy accessible to a wider audience. His translations were characterized by their clarity, elegance, and faithfulness to the original texts, earning him acclaim in literary circles.

In addition to his translation work, Waley was an accomplished scholar and wrote extensively on East Asian literature, culture, and philosophy. His contributions to the field were recognized by numerous awards and honors throughout his life. Despite his academic achievements, Waley remained a private individual, often shunning the public spotlight. He never married and lived a life dedicated to scholarship, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to resonate today.