John Reed was an American journalist, socialist, and revolutionary best known for his involvement in the Russian Revolution of 1917. He was born on October 22, 1887, in Portland, Oregon, and later attended Harvard University. Reed became a prominent figure in the Communist Party and wrote extensively about social issues and political movements. His most famous work, "Ten Days That Shook the World," provides a firsthand account of the October Revolution and the rise of the Bolsheviks. Reed's writings and activism made him a significant figure in early 20th-century leftist politics, and he remains an influential voice in discussions about socialism and revolution.