Ernest Albert Baker was born in April 1869, in Bath, Somerset, England.

He was an English author and editor of fiction, dictionaries, books on librarianship, and journalism on outdoor activities, particularly caving. One of his notable works is the 10-volume "The History of the English Novel" (1924-1939). He also authored "Manual of Descriptive Annotation for Library Catalogues" (1906), “A Guide to the Best Fiction” (1913), and "The Public Library" (1922, with D. O'Conner). His caving books include “Moors, Crags and Caves of the High Peak and Neighbourhood” (1900, with Herbert E. Balch), “The Netherworld of Mendip; Explorations in the great caverns of Somerset, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and elsewhere” (1907), and “Caving; Episodes of Underground Exploration” (1932).

In 1893, he married Helena Louise Gardner (1868–1932). He died on January 18, 1941, in London, England.