Nathaniel West was an American author and screenwriter, born on October 17, 1903, in New York City. He is best known for his novel The Day of the Locust, published in 1939, which explores the lives of people in Hollywood during the Great Depression. West's writing often reflects themes of disillusionment and the darker side of the American Dream. In addition to his novels, West wrote several screenplays, contributing to the film industry in the 1930s. Tragically, he died in a car accident on September 18, 1940, at the age of 37. Despite his short life, West's work has had a lasting impact on American literature and continues to be studied and appreciated today.