Laura Ingalls-Wilder (February 7, 1867 – February 10, 1957) Wilder is the author of the Little House on the Prairie book series, that were based on her pioneering childhood. She captures settler life starting at the age of a young girl and through adulthood. Wilder was encouraged to publish, by her daughter after The Great Depression, and the death of her mother and sister. Wilder worked to preserve the stories of her family and the trials and triumphs of pioneer life and she published the books between 1932 and 1943. Prior to the publication of the famous book series, Wilder was a writer and columnist and editor of several rural publications.