Friedrich Max Müller (1823-1900) was a German-born philologist and Orientalist who spent most of his academic life in England. He is considered one of the founders of the field of comparative religion and is known for his influential, though sometimes controversial, theories on mythology and the interpretation of ancient texts, particularly the Vedas. Müller championed the importance of Sanskrit and argued for its pivotal role in understanding the origins of Indo-European languages and religions. His extensive writings, including his translations of the Sacred Books of the East, helped to popularize Eastern thought and culture in the West during the Victorian era.