Oliver La Farge, an influential American author and ethnologist, was born on December 28, 1901, in New York City. He passed away on July 2, 1963, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. La Farge is best known for his literary contributions that often explored themes of Native American culture and identity, framing his work within the context of the American Southwest.

La Farge's early life was marked by a keen interest in literature and anthropology. He attended Harvard University, where he graduated in 1924. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his later explorations into Native American cultures, which would become a hallmark of his literary career. The time he spent in the Southwest during his youth deeply influenced his writing, fostering a lifelong commitment to understanding and representing the lives of Indigenous peoples.

La Farge's literary career took off with his novel "Laughing Boy," published in 1929, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1930. The novel tells the story of a Navajo man and his struggles to navigate the complexities of love and cultural identity. Throughout his career, La Farge wrote several other notable works, including "The Enemy Gods" (1930) and "The Little Man" (1934), both of which further explored the intersection of Native American and white cultures.

In addition to his writing, La Farge was actively involved in ethnological research, contributing valuable insights into Native American life. His commitment extended beyond literature, as he often advocated for Indigenous rights and representation. Personally, La Farge was married to writer and artist Marjorie La Farge, and they shared a life enriched by a mutual passion for art and culture. His legacy remains significant, as his works continue to resonate with readers seeking a deeper understanding of American identity and the complexities of cultural intersection.