Sinclair Lewis was an American novelist and playwright born on February 7, 1885, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. He is best known for his satirical works that critique American society and culture during the early 20th century. His most famous novels include Main Street, Babbitt, and Elmer Gantry, which explore themes of materialism, conformity, and the American Dream. In 1930, Lewis became the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognizing his significant contributions to literature. His writing often highlighted the struggles of individuals against societal norms, making him a key figure in American literature and a voice for social change.