Zane Grey, born Pearl Zane Gray on January 31, 1872, in Zanesville, Ohio, was an eminent American author best known for his popular adventure novels and stories that presented an idealized image of the rugged Old West. Before his rise to literary fame, Grey practiced dentistry in New York City, a career he eventually abandoned following the success of his writing. 'Wildfire' is among the many novels that reflect Grey's obsession with the American frontier, encapsulating themes characteristic of the genre such as man versus nature, the survival of the fittest, and romanticized depictions of cowboy life. His work is distinguished by vivid imagery, engaging narratives, and an earnest affection for the landscapes of the American West. Grey contributed significantly to the western genre, becoming one of the first millionaire authors. His approach to storytelling was formative and remains a reference point for the iconography of the American West in popular culture. Over the course of his career, Zane Grey published nearly ninety books, including 'Riders of the Purple Sage' (1912), which cemented his reputation as a master of the Western novel. He passed away on October 23, 1939, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to captivate readers and inspire writers around the globe.