George Rippey Stewart Jr. (May 31, 1895 – August 22, 1980) was an American historian, toponymist, novelist, and a professor of English at the University of California, Berkeley. His contributions to literature and history were profound, with works spanning from detailed historical narratives to groundbreaking post-apocalyptic fiction.

Stewart's 1959 book, Pickett's Charge, offers a meticulous history of the final attack at the Battle of Gettysburg, hailed as "essential for an understanding of the Battle of Gettysburg." His most famous work, the 1949 novel Earth Abides, explores the remnants of humanity in the wake of a devastating pandemic. It won the first International Fantasy Award in 1951, and its influence extends into modern classics, inspiring Stephen King's The Stand.

Another notable novel, Storm (1941), personifies a Pacific storm named Maria, which led the National Weather Service to adopt the practice of using personal names for storms. This novel also inspired the song "They Call the Wind Maria" featured in the 1951 musical Paint Your Wagon. Stewart's pioneering works have left an indelible mark on both literature and science, showcasing his interdisciplinary talents and enduring influence.