Upton Sinclair was an American author and social activist born on September 20, 1878. He is best known for his novel, The Jungle, published in 1906, which exposed the harsh conditions and exploitation in the meatpacking industry. Sinclair aimed to highlight the struggles of workers and the need for social reform. Throughout his career, Sinclair wrote over 90 books, covering various topics, including politics and economics. He was a prominent figure in the Progressive Era and used his writing to advocate for change, influencing public opinion and contributing to the establishment of food safety regulations in the United States.