Dorothy Sayers (1893-1957) was an Anglo-Irish novelist, playwright, critic and theological commentator. As well as achieving popularity with novels, detective stories and plays she was widely respected for her translations of Tristan, The Divine Comedy and The Song of Roland. Throughout her life she took a close interest in ecclesiastical and theological developments and was a sharp and perceptive critic of many contemporary follies.

Dorothy Sayers' article "Why Work?", originally given as a lecture in Eastbourne, April 1942 can be found in the anthology, The Betrayal of Tradition .