Kurt Vonnegut, born Kurt Vonnegut Jr. on November 11, 1922, was an American writer and humorist celebrated for his satirical and darkly humorous novels. With a career that spanned over 50 years, he became one of the most important contemporary writers, leaving behind a legacy that includes fourteen novels, three short-story collections, five plays, and five nonfiction works, with additional collections published posthumously.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Vonnegut's early life was marked by his education at Cornell University, followed by his enlistment in the US Army during World War II. His experiences during the war, particularly his survival of the Allied bombing of Dresden while imprisoned, deeply influenced his later work. Vonnegut's breakthrough came with his sixth novel, Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), a commercially and critically successful book that resonated with readers amidst the Vietnam War for its anti-war sentiment. This novel, along with others like The Sirens of Titan (1959) and Cat's Cradle (1963), showcased his exceptional talent in blending science fiction with satire and black comedy.

Throughout his career, Vonnegut also published autobiographical essays and short-story collections, contributing significantly to American literature. His posthumous works, including Armageddon in Retrospect and Complete Stories, further cemented his status as a prominent literary figure. Vonnegut's unique voice and perspective on American society have made him a subject of scholarly work and widespread admiration.