R. D. (Richard Doddridge) Blackmore (June 7, 1825-January 20, 1900), an English author, was one of the most successful and famous novelists of the 19th century. He was praised for his rich descriptions and personification of nature, especially of the English countryside. His novel Lorna Doone (1869)—a love story set in the late 1600s—was a pioneering work of the romantic movement and is still popular today. Some of his many works include The Maid of Sker (1872), Mary Anerley (1880), and Springhaven (1887). Early in his career he was noted for his translations of Greek and Latin poetry.