Toni Morrison (1931-2019) was an American author and editor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important writers of the 20th century. She was known for her powerful and complex portrayals of the experiences of African Americans, particularly women, in her novels, essays, and speeches.

Morrison's first novel, The Bluest Eye, was published in 1970 and received critical acclaim for its exploration of race, beauty, and identity. Her subsequent novels, including Sula, Song of Solomon, and Beloved, won numerous awards and cemented her reputation as a major literary figure. Beloved, in particular, is considered a masterpiece of American literature and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1988. Morrison's writing is known for its poetic language, vivid imagery, and exploration of complex social and psychological issues. Her work has had a profound impact on literature and on the way we think about race, gender, and identity in America.