A celebrated journalist and author, known for his in-depth profiles and essays on eclectic subjects, often exploring the human condition. His writing is characterized by its nuance, empathy, and literary flair.
Alec Wilkinson, born on March 29, 1952, is a renowned American writer who has been a staff member of The New Yorker since 1980. He is celebrated for his literary journalism, which has earned him a reputation as one of the first rank of contemporary American writers, often drawing comparisons to literary giants like Naipaul, Norman Mailer, and Agee.
Wilkinson's writing career spans multiple genres, including literary journalism, fiction, and playwriting. He has authored eleven books, with his most recent publication being A Divine Language: Learning Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus at the Edge of Old Age. This work showcases his unique ability to weave together personal anecdotes and mathematical concepts.
One of his notable works is The Ice Balloon, published in 2012, which tells the fascinating story of Swedish aeronaut S.A. Andree's ill-fated attempt to reach the North Pole by flying in a hydrogen balloon in 1897. This book exemplifies Wilkinson's meticulous research and engaging storytelling style.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Wilkinson has also ventured into playwriting. His play, Sister Sorry, is an adaptation of his short story "The Confession," which originally appeared in The New Yorker in 1993. The play premiered at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, during their 2021 season.
Before embarking on his writing career, Wilkinson spent a year as a policeman in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. This experience inspired his book Midnights: A Year with the Wellfleet Police. Prior to that, he was a rock and roll musician, playing in various bands, including one in Berkeley, California, with Tony Garnier, Bob Dylan's longtime bass player and bandleader.
Wilkinson's writing journey began when he was 24, and he credits William Maxwell, his father's friend and a renowned novelist and editor, with guiding him in his early writing years. Their close friendship and mentorship are fondly recalled in Wilkinson's book My Mentor.
Throughout his career, Wilkinson has received numerous accolades for his work. He is a recipient of the Lyndhurst Prize and the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award. In 1987, he was awarded a Guggenheim fellowship, recognizing his exceptional talent and contributions to literature.
Alec Wilkinson is married, has a son, and currently resides in New York City. He is also the brother of Leland Wilkinson, a prominent computer scientist.
Through his diverse body of work, Alec Wilkinson has established himself as a master of literary journalism, fiction, and playwriting. His unique voice, meticulous research, and engaging storytelling have cemented his place among the highest echelons of contemporary American writers.
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Pulitzer Prize-winning author of novels and short stories that explore the American experience, particularly the lives of ordinary men and their struggles with identity and relationships.
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Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist who explored American politics and culture through provocative novels and essays, known for his bold, lyrical writing style.
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