Harriet Beecher Stowe (June 14, 1811 – July 1, 1896) is an American abolitionist and author.

Her novel Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) is a depiction of life for African-Americans under slavery; it reaches millions as a novel and play, and becomes influential in the United States and United Kingdom.

It energizes anti-slavery forces in the American North, while provoking widespread anger in the South.

She writes more than 20 books, including novels, three travel memoirs, and collections of articles and letters.

She is influential both for her writings and her public stands on social issues of the day.