James Evershed Agate was a prominent English diarist, essayist, and critic, best known for his influential work as a drama critic for The Sunday Times. Born in Pendleton, Lancashire, he became a leading figure in London's literary and theatrical circles from the 1920s until his death. His extensive diaries, published in nine volumes under the title Ego, provide a detailed and often witty account of his life and the cultural landscape of his time. Despite his professional success, he was known for his extravagant lifestyle, which frequently led to financial difficulties, yet he remains a significant figure in 20th-century British theatre criticism.