Ring Lardner's cynical humor made him one of the most popular writers of the 1920s. Throughout his career, first as a sports writer and columnist and then as the author of short stories, light verse and plays, Lardner's works received both popular and critical acclaim. He was recognized as one of the foremost humorists and satirists of the early twentieth century and was noted especially for his memorable use of slang vernacular to characterize and often ridicule his subjects.

Lardner was born in an affluent Michigan family and educated at home during his early childhood. As a youth, he played baseball and enjoyed music. He attended Niles High School where he played football, sang in a quartet, and wrote the class poem. He then worked in minor capacities in Chicago offices and for the Michigan Railroad before a year of college at the Armour...