Nevil Shute (1899-1960) was an English novelist and aeronautical engineer. He is best known for his post-World War II novels, such as A Town Like Alice and On the Beach. Shute was born in Ealing, London, and studied engineering at the prestigious Imperial College London. After graduating, he worked as an aeronautical engineer for the de Havilland Aircraft Company. During World War II, he served in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. After the war, he wrote several novels, including the popular Pied Piper and No Highway. His works often featured themes of courage, loyalty, and the human spirit. Shute was a master storyteller, and his works remain popular to this day.