Isaac Bashevis Singer was a Polish-born Jewish-American novelist, short-story writer, memoirist, essayist, and translator. He was a leading figure in the Yiddish literary movement and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1978. His works, many initially written in Yiddish, were later translated into English with the help of editors and collaborators.

Born in what was then part of the Russian Empire, Singer's childhood in Warsaw's Jewish quarter, depicted with humor and clarity, profoundly influenced his writing. His father, a rabbi from the Hasid school, and his mother, from a family of rabbis, nurtured him in a world rich with Jewish traditions, piety, and the Yiddish language.

His writing career began in Warsaw as a journalist, influenced by his elder brother, who introduced him to new political, social, and cultural ideas. A central theme in Singer's works is the clash between tradition and modernity, often reflecting the tumultuous historical and social changes experienced by the Jewish community.

Besides his short stories and novellas, Singer is known for grand family chronicles like The Family Moskat, The Manor, and The Estate, which portray the struggles of Jewish families against the backdrop of evolving societal norms. His works are characterized by vivid characters and a blend of reality, mysticism, and folklore.

Singer's early work, Satan in Goray, takes place in the 17th century and explores themes of false messiahs and mass hysteria. His short stories often feature demons, spectres, and supernatural powers, reflecting Jewish folklore and imagination.

Notable collections include Gimpel the Fool and A Crown of Feathers. His stories have cemented his place in the literary pantheon, celebrated for their originality, emotional depth, and exploration of human nature.