Jostein Gaarder is a Norwegian author best known for his novel, Sophie's World. He was born in Oslo, Norway in 1952 and is a philosopher, teacher, and author. He has written numerous books, including novels, short stories, and non-fiction works. His works often explore philosophical and religious themes, and he is considered one of the most influential authors in Norway. Gaarder's most famous work, Sophie's World, was published in 1991 and has been translated into over 50 languages. It tells the story of a 14-year-old girl named Sophie who discovers the history of philosophy through a mysterious mentor. The novel has been praised for its accessible and engaging approach to philosophy, and has been credited with introducing philosophy to a new generation of readers. Gaarder has also written several other novels, including The Solitaire Mystery, The Orange Girl, and The Christmas Mystery. He has also written several non-fiction works, including The Philosophy of Life and The World of Ideas. His works have been praised for their imaginative and thought-provoking approach to philosophical and religious themes. Gaarder has won numerous awards for his work, including the Norwegian Critics Prize for Literature, the Nordic Council's Literature Prize, and the German Youth Literature Prize. He continues to write and lecture on philosophy and literature, and his works remain popular around the world.