The American writer Ernest Hemingway (July 21,1899-July 2,1961) was a journalist, novelist, and short story writer and a leading literary figure of the 20th century. His sparse writing style and strong theories about literature heavily influenced those who came after him, as writers either attempted to imitate or to separate themselves from his work.

As a young man, he was disqualified from serving as a soldier in World War I due to poor eyesight. He participated instead as an ambulance driver. He was awarded a Silver Medal of Valor from the Italian government for his courage and service in this role. His experience with combat and the emotional and physical repercussions of World War I inspired many of his works, including his novels The Sun Also Rises (1926) and A Farewell to Arms (1929). Critics recognize both works as some of the most important and illuminating works to come from his generation about their experiences of the time.

Hemingway’s life and relationships are almost as widely discussed as his work. He was a leading figure in a community of expatriates living in Paris after World War I. Coined “The Lost Generation” by Gertrude Stein, it included many artists and writers such as fellow Americans F.