James Grover Thurber was an American cartoonist, writer, humorist, journalist, and playwright, born in Columbus, Ohio on December 8, 1894. He gained fame for his work with The New Yorker, where his cartoons and short stories became widely popular. Thurber's writing often explored the comic frustrations and eccentricities of ordinary people, earning him a place among the foremost American humorists of the 20th century.

Despite losing the sight in one eye during his youth and eventually becoming blind in both eyes, Thurber continued to write and draw, leaving a legacy of nearly forty books. His notable works include The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which has been adapted into films.

Thurber attended Ohio State University but did not graduate due to his eye injury, although he later received an honorary degree. He began his professional writing career with the Columbus Dispatch in 1920 and joined The New Yorker in 1927, thanks to the influence of his friend E.B. White.

Thurber's personal life and experiences significantly influenced his work. His mother, known for her humor and practical jokes, was a notable influence, as were his brothers, William and Robert. Thurber passed away from complications of pneumonia on November 2, 1961.