Alberto Moravia, born Alberto Pincherle, was a prominent Italian novelist and journalist. His work is best known for exploring themes of modern sexuality, social alienation, and existentialism. Moravia's debut novel, Gli indifferenti (The Time of Indifference, 1929) quickly brought him recognition. Another notable work, the anti-fascist novel Il conformista (The Conformist, 1947), inspired the 1970 film The Conformist by Bernardo Bertolucci.

Several of Moravia's novels have been adapted into films, such as Agostino, Il disprezzo (A Ghost at Noon or Contempt), filmed by Jean-Luc Godard as Le Mépris (Contempt), and La noia (Boredom), which was released in the US as The Empty Canvas. La ciociara was filmed by Vittorio De Sica as Two Women.

Moravia's writing style was marked by its factual, cold precision, often depicting the malaise of the bourgeoisie. His narratives were rooted in the tradition of nineteenth-century literature, enriched by a profound social and cultural awareness. He believed that writers should assume a moral stance and maintain a clear political, social, and philosophical attitude. Despite being an atheist, Moravia's works reflected deep moral and existential concerns.

Alberto Moravia was president of PEN International from 1959 to 1962. He once stated, "It is what we are forced to do that forms our character, not what we do of our own free will."