Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., (pronounced /ˈvɒnɨɡət/; November 11, 1922 – April 11, 2007) was one of the most influential American writers of the 20th century. He wrote such works as Cat's Cradle (1963), Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), and Breakfast of Champions (1973) blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction. He was known for his humanist beliefs and was honorary president of the American Humanist Association..