William Faulkner was an American author known for his complex narratives and innovative writing style. Born in 1897 in New Albany, Mississippi, he often set his stories in the American South, particularly in a fictional county called Yoknapatawpha. His works explore themes of race, class, and the human condition, reflecting the struggles of Southern life. Faulkner received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949, recognizing his significant contributions to literature. Some of his most famous novels include The Sound and the Fury and As I Lay Dying. His unique use of stream-of-consciousness writing has influenced many writers and continues to be studied in literature courses today.