Here are some key figures and periods that contributed to the development of this style:
* Ernest Hemingway: Hemingway is often credited with popularizing a style characterized by short, declarative sentences, direct language, and an emphasis on action and dialogue. His minimalist approach, sometimes referred to as "iceberg theory," focused on revealing the most crucial details while leaving the reader to infer the deeper meaning.
* Modernism: The modernist movement in literature (early 20th century) emphasized breaking away from traditional forms and styles. Writers like Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, and Gertrude Stein experimented with fragmented narratives, stream-of-consciousness techniques, and concise language.
* American Realism: This literary movement (late 19th century) emphasized a focus on everyday life and common people. Writers like Mark Twain, William Dean Howells, and Stephen Crane used realistic dialogue and straightforward language to depict social issues and human struggles.
* Minimalism: This style, popular in the 1960s and 70s, was characterized by its pared-down language, focus on the ordinary, and avoidance of excessive ornamentation. Writers like Raymond Carver, Ann Beattie, and Tobias Wolff are associated with this movement.
It's important to remember that these are just a few examples, and many other writers throughout history have contributed to the development of "simple but tough" prose.
Rather than attributing it to a single individual, it's more accurate to see it as a stylistic trend that has emerged and evolved over time, influenced by various literary movements and individual writers.