Edna Ferber was an American novelist and playwright, born on August 15, 1885, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She is best known for her works that often explore themes of social change and the American experience. Some of her most famous novels include So Big, Show Boat, and Giant, which have been adapted into successful films and musicals. Ferber's writing style is characterized by vivid storytelling and strong character development. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1925 for her novel So Big. She passed away on April 16, 1968, leaving a lasting impact on American literature.