Ron Chernow
- Born:
- March 3, 1949, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Biographer, Historian, Journalist
Early Life and Education
- Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.
- Graduated summa cum laude from Yale University.
- Earned a PhD in English Literature from Cambridge University.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a freelance journalist.
- Established himself as a leading biographer with his in-depth, meticulously researched works.
- Received the National Book Award for Biography and Autobiography for The House of Morgan in 1990.
- Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Biography for Washington: A Life in 2011.
- Served as president of PEN American Center.
- Authored the biography of Alexander Hamilton.
Notable Works
- The House of Morgan: An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance (1990)
- Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. (1998)
- Alexander Hamilton (2004)
- Washington: A Life (2010)
- Grant (2017)
Legacy and Impact
Ron Chernow's biographies are renowned for their comprehensive research, engaging narrative style, and significant contributions to understanding key figures in American history. His biography of Alexander Hamilton served as the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical, Hamilton, further amplifying Hamilton's story and cementing Chernow's legacy as a prominent biographer.
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year | Work |
|---|---|---|
| National Book Award for Biography and Autobiography | 1990 | The House of Morgan |
| Pulitzer Prize for Biography | 2011 | Washington: A Life |