Erik Larson

**Erik Larson (born January 3, 1954)** is an American author known for his historical nonfiction works that blend meticulous research with gripping narratives. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Larson studied English at the University of Pennsylvania and journalism at Columbia University. After working as a staff writer for The Wall Street Journal, he turned to writing books full-time. Notable works include: * **The Devil in the White City** (2003): A bestseller that chronicles the construction of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 and the parallel story of a serial killer operating nearby. * **In the Garden of Beasts** (2011): A gripping account of William Dodd, the U.S. Ambassador to Nazi Germany whose diplomatic mission coincided with the rise of the Third Reich. * **Dead Wake** (2015): The tragic story of the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 and its aftermath. Larson's writings have received critical acclaim for their vivid storytelling, insightful analysis, and ability to illuminate historical events. He has been awarded the Edgar Award, the Pulitzer Prize, and the National Book Award.