Mario Puzo was an American author and screenwriter, best known for his novel The Godfather, published in 1969. This book became a bestseller and is widely regarded as one of the greatest works in the crime fiction genre. Puzo's storytelling often focused on themes of power, family, and the complexities of organized crime. In addition to his writing, Puzo co-wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film, released in 1972, received critical acclaim and won several Academy Awards, solidifying Puzo's legacy in both literature and cinema.