Shelby Dade Foote Jr. was an American historian and novelist, renowned for his exhaustive work on the American Civil War. He was born on November 17, 1916, in Greenville, Mississippi, and passed away on June 27, 2005. Foote enjoyed a celebrated career, with his most notable contribution being his three-volume work, "The Civil War: A Narrative", which offered a comprehensive and detailed account of the American Civil War. His storytelling prowess and unique narrative style distinguished him in both historical and literary circles.

In addition to his historical works, Foote published several novels and was a prominent figure in the acclaimed PBS series The Civil War, where his engaging commentary brought history to life for millions of viewers. Foote's contributions have left a lasting impact on the understanding and appreciation of American history.