Lawrence Ingrassia

Lawrence Ingrassia is an award-winning journalist and author who has written extensively about some of the most iconic events, people, and institutions of the last century. He is best known for his books The Pope and the CEO and Engines of Change: Aviation and the Origins of the Modern World, which have been praised for their impeccable research, compelling narratives, and insight into the major events of our economic and cultural history.

Ingrassia was born in central New Jersey and grew up in northern New Jersey and New York City. He obtained his B.A. in English literature from Columbia College in 1982 and later obtained a Master of Science degree in print journalism from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. He then went on to have a long, illustrious career as a professional journalist, working for the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, as well as various other publications.

In 2010, Ingrassia published his first book, The Pope and the CEO: John Paul II’s Leadership Lessons to a Young Swiss Guard, a nonfiction work that examines the relationship between Pope John Paul II and a young Swiss Guard who became his personal courier and interpreter. The bookreceived praise for its sensitive portrayal of the pope and humanizing insight into his life.

In 2012, Ingrassia released his second book, Engines of Change: Aviation and the Origins of the Modern World, a substantial study of the changing state of aviation in the modern world. The book looks at the evolution of commercial and military aviation and examines the effects of aviation on the political, economic, and cultural spheres. His book received widespread critical acclaim and was a finalist for the William E. Pike aviation history book award in 2013.

In 2018, Ingrassia published his third book, Rally ‘Round the Flag: The Union in the Civil War and Reconstruction, an in-depth narrative about the complex and often misunderstood history of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The book argues that the Union’s victory in the Civil War and subsequent Reconstruction era were shaped by ordinary citizens’ models of patriotism, economic hard work, and religious faith.

Ingrassia has also contributed to various other books and written for various publications, including the Financial Times, London Sunday Times, and Smithsonian Air & Space magazine. In addition, he has been interviewed as a guest on various shows, including PBS, History Channel, and National Geographic, to discuss his books and the topics they cover.

Overall, Lawrence Ingrassia has written three books and many articles. His work on Pope John Paul II, the history of aviation, and the history of the Union in the Civil War and Reconstruction have been well-received and commended for Ingrassia’s deep dive into complex topics and clear explication of their implications. Ingrassia’s work is indispensable for anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of the events and people that have shaped our world today.