Ernest Hemingway, one of the most influential American writers of the 20th century, was born on July 21, 1899, in Oak Park, Illinois. Known for his concise and powerful prose style, Hemingway became synonymous with the "Lost Generation," a term used to describe the post-World War I cohort that felt disillusioned and detached from traditional values.
Hemingway's career began as a journalist for The Kansas City Star before he served as an ambulance driver during World War I. His experiences in war profoundly influenced his writing, leading to works that explored themes of courage, love, loss, and the human condition. Among his notable novels are The Sun Also Rises (1926), which captures the existential despair of expatriates in Europe, and A Farewell to Arms (1929), a poignant tale of love and tragedy set against the backdrop of war.
Beyond fiction, Hemingway's adventurous lifestyle paralleled his literary pursuits. He traveled extensively, hunted big game in Africa, and immersed himself in the vibrant culture of Spain, where he developed a deep appreciation for bullfighting. These experiences enriched his storytelling, evident in works like Death in the Afternoon (1932) and For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940).
Hemingway received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954 for his mastery of narrative craft. Despite personal struggles and declining health, he continued to write until his death by suicide in Ketchum, Idaho, in 1961. Today, Hemingway's legacy endures through his unique voice and enduring impact on modern literature.