Stieg Larsson was a Swedish author and journalist best known for his Millennium Trilogy of crime novels. Born in 1954, Larsson was a passionate activist for human rights and anti-racism, and his work often reflected his political views. He wrote his first novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, in 2005, and it was published posthumously in 2005 after his death in 2004. The novel was an instant success, and the two sequels, The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, were published in 2007 and 2009 respectively. The Millennium Trilogy follows the adventures of Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but troubled computer hacker, and Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist and publisher of the magazine Millennium. Together, they investigate a series of murders and uncover a dark conspiracy involving powerful figures in Swedish society. The books have been adapted into films and television series, and have been translated into over 50 languages. Larsson's work has been praised for its complex characters, intricate plots, and social commentary. His books have sold over 80 million copies worldwide, making him one of the most successful authors of all time. His legacy continues to inspire readers and writers alike, and his work will remain a classic of modern crime fiction.