Cormac McCarthy (July 20, 1933 – June 13, 2023) was an acclaimed American author celebrated for his intense narratives across Western, Southern Gothic, and post-apocalyptic genres. Known for his graphic depictions of violence and a distinctive, sparse writing style, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest American novelists. While early works like 1985's Blood Meridian initially received mixed reviews, they are now considered masterpieces.
McCarthy achieved widespread success with All the Pretty Horses (1992), which earned him the National Book Award. His 2006 novel, The Road, further cemented his legacy by winning the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Many of his powerful stories, including No Country for Old Men, were adapted into critically acclaimed films, with the 2007 adaptation of No Country for Old Men winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. His final novels, The Passenger and Stella Maris, were published in late 2022.