William Faulkner was an American author known for his complex narratives and innovative writing style. He was born in 1897 in New Albany, Mississippi and spent much of his life in the southern United States. Faulkner's works often explore themes of race, class, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of the American South. His most famous novels include The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying, and Light in August. Faulkner received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949, recognizing his significant contributions to literature. His unique use of stream-of-consciousness and multiple perspectives has influenced many writers and remains a subject of study in literary circles.