Rex Stout was an American author best known for his detective fiction. He was born on December 1, 1886, in Noblesville, Indiana, and gained fame for creating the character Nero Wolfe, a brilliant but eccentric private detective. Stout's stories often featured Wolfe's assistant, Archie Goodwin, who narrated the cases. Stout published over 30 novels and numerous short stories featuring Wolfe and Goodwin, starting with "Fer-de-Lance" in 1934. His works are celebrated for their clever plots, rich character development, and witty dialogue. Stout passed away on October 27, 1975, leaving a lasting legacy in the mystery genre.