William Faulkner (1897–1962) was an American writer renowned for his innovative narrative techniques and deep exploration of the human condition. Born in New Albany, Mississippi, Faulkner spent most of his life in the American South, which profoundly influenced his work. His writing is characterized by its complex, fragmented structure and rich, often experimental prose.

Faulkner's novels frequently delve into themes of history, memory, and social decay, reflecting the turbulent transformation of the South. His magnum opus, The Sound and the Fury (1929), is a seminal example of his stream-of-consciousness technique, capturing the disintegration of a Southern aristocratic family. Other significant works include As I Lay Dying (1930), which presents a multi-perspective narrative of a family's journey to bury their deceased matriarch, and Light in August (1932), exploring racial and existential themes.

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949, Faulkner's impact on American literature is profound. He is celebrated for his ability to convey the complexities of the human psyche and the social fabric of the South. His influence extends beyond literature into film and popular culture, cementing his legacy as one of the great American novelists of the 20th century.