Edna Ferber was an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright whose work often featured strong female leads and detailed portrayals of American life in the early 20th century. Born on August 15, 1885, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Ferber won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel "So Big" in 1924. She is also known for other popular works such as "Show Boat" (1926), which was adapted into a successful musical, "Cimarron" (1929), which was later adapted into two films, and "Giant" (1952), which was made into a film starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean. Ferber's writing was characterized by her vivid storytelling and exploration of themes like gender roles, social justice, and the American experience. She was a member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of New York City writers, critics, and actors. Ferber passed away on April 16, 1968.