James Agee was an American author, journalist, and screenwriter born on September 27, 1909, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is best known for his literary works that explore themes of poverty and social justice, particularly in the American South. His most famous book, Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, co-authored with photographer Walker Evans, documents the lives of impoverished sharecroppers during the Great Depression. In addition to his writing, Agee worked in film, contributing to screenplays for movies like The African Queen. He received the Pulitzer Prize for his posthumously published novel, A Death in the Family, which reflects on personal loss and family life. Agee passed away on May 16, 1955.