Robert James Waller was an American author and photographer, best known for his novel, The Bridges of Madison County. Published in 1992, the book became a bestseller and was later adapted into a successful film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. Waller's writing often explored themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In addition to his literary work, Waller was also a talented photographer, capturing the beauty of the American landscape. He was born on August 15, 1939, in Rockford, Iowa, and passed away on March 10, 2017. His contributions to literature and photography have left a lasting impact.