Edwin O'Connor was an American author born on March 9, 1918, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He is best known for his novel, The Last Hurrah, published in 1956, which explores the life of a veteran politician and the changing landscape of American politics. O'Connor's writing often reflects his deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of political life. In addition to The Last Hurrah, O'Connor wrote several other novels, short stories, and essays throughout his career. He received critical acclaim and won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1962 for his novel, The Edge of Sadness. O'Connor's work continues to be studied for its insights into American society and politics.