Literary Modernism:
* Ernest Hemingway: Known for his concise, impactful prose and exploration of themes like war, masculinity, and disillusionment. Notable works include "The Sun Also Rises" (1926) and "A Farewell to Arms" (1929), though his influence continued throughout the 1930s.
* William Faulkner: A master of Southern Gothic and stream-of-consciousness narrative. His novels like "The Sound and the Fury" (1929) and "As I Lay Dying" (1930) explored complex issues of race, family, and history in the American South.
* F. Scott Fitzgerald: Though his most famous work, "The Great Gatsby," was published in 1925, Fitzgerald continued to write during the 1930s, exploring themes of the American Dream, wealth, and disillusionment in works like "Tender is the Night" (1934) and "The Last Tycoon" (unfinished, published posthumously).
* John Steinbeck: While he achieved major success in the 1930s, he was already writing in the 1920s. His works, including "Of Mice and Men" (1937) and "The Grapes of Wrath" (1939), focused on the struggles of migrant workers during the Great Depression.
Social Realism:
* John Dos Passos: His "U.S.A." trilogy (1930-1936) provides a panoramic view of American life during the early 20th century, focusing on the impact of industrialization, war, and social injustice.
* Richard Wright: His novel "Native Son" (1940) explored the struggles of African Americans living in the segregated North, highlighting the racism and oppression they faced.
* James T. Farrell: His "Studs Lonigan" trilogy (1932-1935) depicts the life of a working-class Irish-American man growing up in Chicago, exploring themes of poverty, violence, and social alienation.
* Zora Neale Hurston: While her most famous work, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," was published in 1937, her work explored the lives of African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.
Other Influential Voices:
* Langston Hughes: A key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, his poetry and stories explored the experiences of African Americans in the United States, often focusing on themes of race, identity, and social justice.
* Katherine Anne Porter: Her short stories, like "Pale Horse, Pale Rider," and novels like "Ship of Fools" (1962), explored themes of morality, loss, and human nature.
* Eudora Welty: While her most famous work, "The Optimist's Daughter," was published in 1972, she was writing throughout the 1930s. Her stories captured the lives of everyday people in the American South.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers some of the most prominent and influential American authors who were active during the 1930s. Their works reflected the social, economic, and political upheavals of the time, and their lasting influence continues to shape American literature and culture today.