David Grann

David Grann is an American journalist, a staff writer for The New Yorker, and a distinguished author known for his work in narrative non-fiction. Best known for his book The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon (2009), Grann's detailed narrative has captivated readers and critics alike. His other major work, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI (2017), was a finalist for the National Book Award.

David grew up in a family that valued science and literature. His mother, Phyllis E. Grann, was the first female CEO of a major publishing house, while his father, Victor Grann, is an oncologist. This blend of analytical rigour and literary insight influenced Grann's career choice early on. He earned a BA in government from Connecticut College, followed by a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship that allowed him to conduct research in Mexico and begin his journalism career.

At Tufts University, Grann received a Master's in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Initially interested in fiction, Grann's career turned to journalism when he began working as a copy editor at The Hill, a newspaper covering the US Congress. By 1995 Grann had risen to the position of managing editor and joined The New Republic as a senior editor in 1996. He became a leading figure in long-form journalism after joining The New Yorker in 2003.

His first book, The Lost City of Z (2009), tells the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett's ill-fated quest to find a mythical city in the Amazon. The book debuted at number four on The New York Times bestseller list and later reached the top spot. Grann's expedition to the Amazon to retrace Fawcett's steps added authenticity and intrigue to his narrative. The success of The Lost City of Z led to its adaptation into a feature film by James Gray in 2016, further cementing Grann's reputation as a master storyteller.

In Killers of the Flower Moon (2017), Grann delved into the tragic and horrific story of the Osage Indian murders of the 1920s, a series of crimes that exposed deep-seated corruption and led to the creation of the FBI. The book's meticulous research and gripping narrative earned it critical acclaim, becoming a bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award. The importance of the story and Grann's narrative style caught the attention of filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who adapted the book into a film in 2023.

Grann's other notable works include The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession (2010), a collection of his previously published articles, and The White Darkness (2018), which recounts the Antarctic expedition of British explorer Henry Worsley.

His latest book, The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder (2023), debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list and received critical acclaim, including an endorsement from former President Barack Obama.

David Grann has two children, and he resides in New York.