Katherine Mansfield Beauchamp (1888 -1923) was a New Zealand poet and short story writer who began publishing work at the age of ten, although her original intent was to be a cellist rather than a writer. Born into a well-to-do family, an annual stipend from her father kept Katherine from ever having to work; she lived and traveled around Europe, writing and befriending fellow writers such as D. H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf. While her personal life was tumultuous, her literary achievements were stellar; Katherine is today considered New Zealand's most famous author and one of the most significant influences on twentieth century short story writers. She published three books before her death from tuberculosis at the age of 34; two additional books were published posthumously.