William Maxwell (August 16, 1908 – July 31, 2000) was an American writer and editor. Born in Lincoln, Illinois, he is best known for his novels and short stories, which are noted for their emotional precision, clear prose, and insightful explorations of personal relationships and the passage of time. Maxwell's literary career spanned over fifty years, during which he wrote six novels, including "They Came Like Swallows" (1937), "The Folded Leaf" (1945), and "So Long, See You Tomorrow" (1980), the last of which is often considered his masterpiece. In addition to his own writing, William Maxwell had a profound influence on American literature through his work as a fiction editor at The New Yorker magazine for 40 years, from 1936 to 1975. In this capacity, he mentored and edited the works of many prominent authors, such as John Cheever, Vladimir Nabokov, and J.D. Salinger. His subtle and nurturing editorial style won him the loyalty and admiration of many New Yorker writers. Maxwell's work earned numerous accolades, including the American Book Award, and his legacy continues to be celebrated for its deep humanism and artistry.