Tom Shales

Tom Shales is one of the most famous and acclaimed authors of his time. From books on pop culture and film to essays on politics and television, his contributions to both the industry and society have been remarkable. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and a master of long-form writing, Tom Shales has created story after story that have delighted readers around the world.

Tom Shales was born on October 5, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York to a working-class family. He grew up in a one-bedroom apartment and would eventually make his way into the University of Maryland, where he earned a degree in advertising. While studying at Maryland, Shales also developed an interest in writing and began his career while still a student by writing film reviews for a local newspaper.

Shales quickly rose to prominence as a writer of both print and television media. His success was no surprise given his broad interests and exhaustive knowledge of popular culture. After writing reviews and critiques for The Washington Post, Esquire, and TV Guide, Shales penned his own books.

Essential Shales, published in 1989, was the author’s first collection. In it, he assessed and praised television programs from the years 1977 to 1989. Following that was The Critics’ Choice (1995), an anthology of Shales’ reviews from publications such as Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal. Both books were critically acclaimed and earned Shales a Pulitzer Prize in 2003 for criticism.

Shales’ other book, The Life and Times of Lenny Bruce (1998), was a biography of the legendary comedian, actor, and satirist. Shales’ work on the subject has been hailed for shedding new light on the influential performer and articulating his importance with wit and insight.

The latter half of Shales’ career was spent analyzing the political climate of the United States. His books Talk: Two Decades in the Trenches (2005) and America, You're So Cool (2008) offered sharp critiques of the state of American politics. Shales accused both the right and the left of being to blame for the nation’s troubles and pushed for more thoughtful discourse instead of continued debates that ultimately leave the public confused.

Throughout all of his writing, Shales has consistently sought clarity, both in the particular topics he addresses and in writing itself. His ability to capture the zeitgeist of the moment in moments of thoughtful reflection have made Shales both a revered five-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and a source of entertainment for readers all over the world. His works, no matter the format or genre, all have the same distinct mark of being thoughtful, honest and full of eloquence.

Tom Shales has been a source of substantial knowledge and entertainment for readers of all kinds for decades. His myriad of works, from Essential Shales to America, You're So Cool, have provided readers from all backgrounds with insight and comfort in a chaotic world. Whether delving into political discourse or exploring the world of television, Tom Shales will continue to captivate readers with his sharp minds and original thoughts.