Erik Larson

Erik Larson is a bestselling author, well known for writing narrative nonfiction works. His books, including titles such as Devil in the White City, In the Garden of Beasts, and The Splendid and the Vile, are immensely popular and have earned him several prestigious awards. Larson’s distinctive writing style captivates readers and has ensured his books’ success.

Larson was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in journalism and then continued to pursue a Master’s degree from Columbia University. As a journalist, Larson worked for the Wall Street Journal and Time magazine. After working in the journalism industry for several years, Larson decided to make the jump to writing books.

In 1998, Larson published his debut book, Isaac’s Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History. The book tells the story of the Galveston Hurricane that struck Texas Gulf coast in 1900 with immense force, killing thousands of people. Isaac’s Storm was praised for Larson’s vivid retelling of the survivor’s accounts and detailed historical background.

Larson’s second book, The Devil in The White City, was published in 2003 and further cemented his place as one of the top nonfiction authors in the world. The book recounts the true story of serial killer H.H. Holmes who killed several people during the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.

The Devil in The White City earned Larson several awards, including the Edgar Award, as well as a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. The book has also been adapted into a feature film and a stage play, both of which were well received by critics.

In 2011, Larson published his third book, In The Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin. The book focuses on the experiences of the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, William E. Dodd, and his daughter Martha as they adjusted to life in Nazi Germany. The book was another instant success, becoming a New York Times bestseller and earning Larson numerous awards, including the 2011 Goodreaders Choice Award for Best Nonfiction.

In 2019, Larson released his fourth book, The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz. The book follows the story of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s government during the Blitzkrieg, a period of intense bombing raids by Nazi Germany in 1940. As with all of Larson’s other books, The Splendid and the Vile was an instant success, reaching number one on the New York Times bestseller list and receiving glowing reviews from critics.

Overall, Erik Larson is an incredibly talented author who has written several bestselling narrative nonfiction books and garnered critical praise for his work. From the heartwarming recounts of the Galveston hurricane, to the gripping account of life in Nazi Germany, Larson’s books continue to entertain, educate, and captivate audiences around the world.