Writer Writes

A captivating memoir of Stephen Birmingham, the New York Times bestselling author renowned for his unrivaled exploration of America's affluent upper class.

With over thirty literary accomplishments to his name, Birmingham's literary journey delved into the lives of the nation's elite: focusing on the African American upper class in Certain People, and shedding light on prominent Jewish society in Our Crowd: The Great Jewish Families of New York, The Grandees: The Story of America's Sephardic Elite, and The Rest of Us: The Rise of America's Eastern European Jews.

Now, in A Writer Writes, Birmingham offers a mesmerizing glimpse into his personal and professional life. Born in Connecticut in 1929 and educated at Williams College, he carved a unique literary niche, leveraging his intimate knowledge of the private lives of the rich and famous to craft bestselling fiction and nonfiction works. From glittering parties to exclusive addresses, Birmingham's pen painted vivid portraits of old-money WASPs, Jewish communities, African American enclaves, and Irish societies that embody both the American dream and its struggle.

This memoir invites readers to discover the man behind the masterpieces, as Birmingham opens the door to his own journey. Within these pages, he shares the tales that shaped him, captivating us with tales of opulence, rags-to-riches sagas, and the intricate dynamics of power and privilege. As his narrative unfolds, Birmingham's story becomes as enthralling as the aristocrats he so meticulously chronicled.

Critics have hailed Birmingham's expertise in unraveling the traditions of the rich, powerful, and privileged. The Los Angeles Times affirms, "When it comes to the folkways of the rich, the powerful, and the privileged, Stephen Birmingham knows what he's talking about." Now, readers have the opportunity to delve into the extraordinary life of the master storyteller himself, as he unveils the captivating memoir, A Writer Writes.