Stacy Schiff is an acclaimed American biographer, historian, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for her meticulous research and compelling storytelling. Born in Massachusetts, Schiff began her career as a senior editor at Simon & Schuster after graduating from Williams College. Her ability to transform complex histories into vivid, accessible narratives quickly established her as a groundbreaking author in the field of historical biography.
Schiff’s most notable works include "A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America," "Cleopatra: A Life," and "The Witches: Salem, 1692." These works not only skillfully resurrect historical characters, but also stimulate meaningful conversations about power, gender, and politics. Her gift for merging historical accuracy with riveting storytelling has garnered her numerous awards including the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography, awarded for her exceptional biography "Véra (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov)."
Schiff's work continues to inspire and educate readers around the globe, proving that history can be both enriching and entertaining. Her detailed portraits of significant figures, woven with intimate details and broader cultural contexts, make her one of the most revered and relevant figures in contemporary historical literature. As a public intellectual, Schiff regularly contributes to the New Yorker, the New York Times, and other prestigious publications, embodying a rare combination of scholarly rigor and popular appeal.