John Fante was an American author and screenwriter, born on April 8, 1909, in Denver, Colorado. He is best known for his semi-autobiographical novel, Ask the Dust, which is part of the Los Angeles quartet. Fante's writing often explores themes of ambition, family, and the struggles of an aspiring writer. Fante's work was influential in the Los Angeles literary scene and inspired many writers, including Charles Bukowski. Despite facing challenges during his career, including periods of obscurity, Fante's legacy has grown over the years, and he is now regarded as a significant figure in American literature.