Ernest Hemingway was an American novelist. His economical and understated style had a strong influence on 20th century fiction, while his life of adventure and his public image influenced later generations.

Hemingway also had an aptitude for physical challenge that engaged him throughout high school, where he both played football and boxed. Because of permanent eye damage contracted from numerous boxing matches, Hemingway was repeatedly rejected from service in World War I. Boxing provided more material for Hemingway’s stories, as well as a habit of likening his literary feats.