Axel Martin Fredrik Munthe was a Swedish-born physician and psychiatrist, best known as the author of The Story of San Michele. This autobiographical work, first published in 1929, became an international bestseller and has been translated into numerous languages. He studied medicine in Uppsala, Montpellier, and Paris, and dedicated much of his life to his medical practice, treating both the wealthy elite and the poor. Munthe was also a dedicated animal rights advocate and used his fame to establish a bird sanctuary on the island of Capri.