Ralph Cotton

Ralph Cotton was an American author known for his captivating novels and short stories set in the American South. Born in 1936 in New Orleans, Louisiana, he developed a deep connection to the region's rich culture and history. Cotton's debut novel, "The Night Visitor," was published in 1968 and earned critical acclaim for its atmospheric prose and exploration of race relations in the post-Civil Rights era. Throughout his career, he published several other notable works, including "The Year of the Signet" (1971), "The Homecoming" (1983), and "The Whiteness of the Moon" (2009). Cotton's writing has been praised for its authentic portrayal of Southern characters and its insightful examination of social issues. He received numerous awards and accolades, including the Southern Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction in 2009 for "The Whiteness of the Moon." His legacy continues to inspire aspiring writers and resonate with readers who seek a deep understanding of the complexities of the American South.