Rafael Sabatini (1875–1950)

"He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad," describes Sabatini's most famous character, Scaramouche, and perhaps the author himself. His works were an international success in his own time and are still popular. Best known are his swashbucklers -- many of whom have been made into films -- and his books about Cesare Borgia.