Eudora Welty was an American author born on April 13, 1909, in Jackson, Mississippi. She is best known for her short stories and novels that capture the life and culture of the American South. Her writing often reflects her deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of Southern society. Welty received numerous awards for her work, including the Pulitzer Prize for her novel "The Optimist's Daughter" in 1973. She was also a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Welty's literary contributions have made her a significant figure in American literature.