_William Wilkie Collins, born in London in 1824, was the son of the
painter William Collins. He was always called "Wilkie." Educated
privately, he was articled to a London tea merchant; but, publishing
a book (afterward issued as "Antonina"), he devoted himself to
letters. In 1851, he met Dickens, and wrote for "Household Words,"
and sometimes collaborated with him. His works include: "After
Dark," "The Woman in White," "No Name, "The New Magdalen," and "The
Moonstone." "The Dream-Woman," which exhibits many of his most
striking characteristics, is from "The Queen of Hearts" (1860). He
died in London in 1889._