Willa Cather was an American author born on December 7, 1873, in Virginia. She is best known for her novels that depict life on the Great Plains, particularly in states like Nebraska. Cather's writing often explores themes of pioneer life, the struggles of rural communities, and the connection between people and their environment. Her most famous works include My Ántonia and O Pioneers!, which highlight the experiences of immigrants and settlers. Cather received numerous accolades for her contributions to literature, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1923 for her novel One of Ours. She passed away on April 24, 1947.