Astrid Anna Emilia Lindgren was a Swedish children's book author and screenwriter, whose many titles were translated into 85 languages and published in more than 100 countries.
Astrid Lindgren grew up in Näs, near Vimmerby, Småland, and many of her books are based on her family and childhood memories. Pippi Longstocking, her most famous character, however, was originally invented by her bed-ridden daughter, Karin.
Lindgren was the daughter of Samuel August Ericsson and Hanna Johnsson. She had two sisters. Her brother, Gunnar Ericsson, was a member of the Swedish parliament. Upon finishing school, Lindgren took a job with the a local newspaper in Vimmerby.
In 1926, Lindgren moved to Stockholm, learning to become a typist and stenographer. In 1931 she married her boss, Sture Lindgren.