Mao Dun was the pen name of Shen Yanbing, a prominent Chinese novelist and politician born in 1896. He is best known for his works that depict the social and political changes in China during the early 20th century. His most famous novel, Midnight, explores the complexities of urban life in Shanghai during the 1930s. Mao Dun was also a key figure in the Chinese literary scene, serving as the president of the Chinese Writers' Association. His writing often reflected his Marxist beliefs and aimed to raise social awareness. He passed away in 1981, leaving a lasting impact on Chinese literature.