Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) was an American author and abolitionist. She is best known for her novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, which depicted the harsh realities of slavery and helped to fuel the abolitionist movement. Stowe was born in Connecticut and raised in a religious family. She was a prolific writer, publishing over 30 books and numerous articles. She was an advocate for women's rights and a strong supporter of the Underground Railroad. Stowe's work was instrumental in raising awareness of the evils of slavery and helped to shape the course of American history.