Edna Ferber was an American author and playwright born in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1885. She is known for her realistic and witty portrayals of American life, particularly in the Midwest. Ferber was a prolific writer, publishing over a dozen novels and numerous short stories, plays, and screenplays throughout her career.

Ferber’s work often explored themes of gender, race, and class, and her characters were often strong, independent women who challenged societal norms. Her most famous works include the novels “So Big” (1924), which won the Pulitzer Prize, and “Show Boat” (1926), which was adapted into a successful Broadway musical. Ferber’s writing had a significant impact on American literature and helped to shape the modern American novel.