Nathanael West was an American author and screenwriter, best known for his sharp and satirical novels. Born in 1903, he captured the struggles of life in the early 20th century, particularly in his famous work, The Day of the Locust. This novel explores the dark side of Hollywood and the dreams of those who flocked to the city seeking fame and fortune. West's writing style is characterized by its wit and irony, often highlighting the absurdities of American culture. Despite his relatively short life—he died in a car accident in 1940—his influence on literature and film remains significant, inspiring many writers and filmmakers, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Francesca Lia Block.