James Dickey was an American poet, novelist, and essayist, born on February 2, 1923, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known for his novel Deliverance, published in 1970, which explores themes of survival and the human spirit. Dickey's writing often reflects his deep connection to nature and the Southern landscape. In addition to his fiction, Dickey was a prominent poet and served as the United States Poet Laureate from 1966 to 1968. His poetry collections, such as Buckdancer's Choice and The Strength of Fields, showcase his unique voice and vivid imagery. Dickey passed away on January 19, 1997, leaving a lasting impact on American literature.