Scott Anderson

Scott Anderson is an American writer, born in 1959, who has authored both fiction and non-fiction books. His non-fiction works often delve into historical events, political conflicts, and espionage, including titles like "Lawrence in Arabia" and "The Man Who Tried to Save the World."

Anderson's career began at nineteen when he decided to pursue writing, supporting himself through various jobs while developing his craft. He has a background in war correspondence, contributing to publications such as The New York Times Magazine, GQ, and Vanity Fair. His reporting has covered conflicts and political situations in regions including the Middle East, Northern Ireland, and the Balkans. He also co-owned a bar-restaurant in New York City that hosted literary and film events.

Born in Sebastopol, California, Scott Anderson spent his formative years in East Asia, primarily Taiwan and Korea, due to his father's work as an agricultural advisor for the U.S. government. This upbringing exposed him to the complexities and frustrations of government-mandated projects. After traveling through Europe and India with his father, he completed his secondary education in Florida. Anderson later earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop, a prestigious program that nurtured his literary aspirations.

Anderson's writing career commenced at nineteen with a decisive shift from a government job to pursuing authorship. His literary output spans both fiction and non-fiction. His non-fiction works frequently explore historical conflicts, political intrigue, and the human element within major global events. Titles such as "Lawrence in Arabia" examine the creation of the modern Middle East, while "The Man Who Tried to Save the World" investigates the disappearance of a humanitarian aid worker. His novel "Triage" delves into the psychological toll of war on a photographer, and "Moonlight Hotel" is set against the backdrop of civil unrest in a fictional Middle Eastern kingdom.

Anderson's career includes extensive work as a war correspondent and investigative journalist. He began reporting on conflicts in the early 1980s, covering events such as the Lebanese Civil War. His journalism has appeared in prominent publications like The New York Times, Harper's Magazine, and Esquire. Anderson's reporting has taken him to numerous conflict zones, including Northern Ireland, El Salvador, and the Israeli-Palestinian territories, providing firsthand accounts of violence and political upheaval. In later years, his journalistic focus broadened to include socio-economic and cultural issues beyond direct conflict zones.