William Wharton was an American author known for his novels that often explore themes of war, identity, and the human experience. Born on November 7, 1925, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, which influenced much of his writing. His most famous work, Birdy, published in 1978, tells the story of two friends coping with the aftermath of the war. Wharton was also a talented painter and often incorporated his artistic sensibilities into his literary work. Over his career, he published several novels, short stories, and essays, earning critical acclaim and a loyal readership. He passed away on October 29, 2017.