James De Mille was a Canadian professor and novelist, best known for his works of popular fiction. He was born on August 23, 1833, in Saint John, Canada, he became a significant figure in early Canadian literature. De Mille was a professor at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, where he also began his writing career. His literary output, primarily focused on adventure and humor, gained popularity in the late 1860s and 1870s. Throughout his career, De Mille wrote a variety of novels and short stories, often exploring themes of exploration, adventure, and satire. Despite his relatively short life, passing away on January 28, 1880, at the age of 46 in Halifax, his work contributed to shaping Canadian fiction during its early stages. His writing was characterized by its lively storytelling and a knack for creating engaging characters and vivid settings, earning him a place in the development of Canadian literary traditions.