E. Phillips Oppenheim (1866-1946) was a prolific British author, well-regarded for his contributions to the thriller and mystery genres. With an output of more than a hundred novels, his work was characterized by an amalgamation of suspense, romance, and espionage, often set against cosmopolitan and exotic European backdrops. Oppenheim's storytelling prowess is showcased in 'The Collected Works of E. Phillips Oppenheim', which offers readers a comprehensive journey through his varied literary career. His novels, which enjoyed popularity in the early 20th century, often had an element of the upper-class gentleman of leisure who becomes embroiled in a web of international intrigue, a trope that would heavily influence the spy fiction of later generations. Oppenheim's narratives have been lauded for their detailed characterisations and tightly plotted escapades, blending a keen observation of Edwardian society with an unerring instinct for page-turning excitement. His novels, such as 'The Great Impersonation' and 'The Spy Paramount', were bestsellers in their time and provided a template for subsequent spy novels. Although his works may not command the same readership today, Oppenheim's contribution to the thriller genre remains significant, with his books offering a charming window into the sensibilities and escapism of a bygone era.