Jean M. Auel is an American author best known for her Earth's Children series, which includes the popular novel The Clan of the Cave Bear. Born on February 18, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, she began writing in the 1970s and published her first book in 1980. Auel's works are set in prehistoric Europe and explore the lives of early humans, particularly focusing on the character Ayla. Auel's writing is notable for its detailed research into paleolithic life, including aspects of survival, culture, and social structures. Her books have garnered a large following and have been translated into multiple languages, contributing to her status as a significant figure in historical fiction.