Frank Norris

Frank Norris (1870-1902) was an American novelist and journalist known for his realistic and naturalistic writing style. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in a family with a strong literary background. Norris studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and later attended Harvard University. Norris is best remembered for his novels that depicted the social issues and struggles of his time. His most notable work is "The Octopus: A Story of California" (1901), a sprawling epic that explores the conflicts between wheat farmers and the powerful railroad monopolies in California. The novel is considered a classic of American literature and is often associated with the naturalist literary movement. Tragically, Norris's writing career was cut short when he died at the age of 32 due to complications from appendicitis. Despite his short life, he left a lasting impact on American literature, influencing later writers such as Upton Sinclair and Theodore Dreiser. His works continue to be celebrated for their realism, vivid portrayals of the human condition, and insightful social commentary.