John Berendt is a highly acclaimed American author, known for his unique storytelling style and approach to writing. He was born in Syracuse, New York, and grew up in a family of writers. After graduating with an English degree from Harvard University, where he worked on The Harvard Lampoon, Berendt moved to New York City to pursue a career in publishing. He has had a successful career in the publishing industry, working as an editor for New York magazine and writing a monthly column for Esquire.
Berendt's first visit to Savannah, Georgia, in the early 1980s, marked the beginning of a long-term love affair with the city. Over the next eight years, he became increasingly drawn to Savannah and found himself spending more time there than in New York. Berendt's fascination with the city's rich history, unique culture, and morbid gossip ultimately inspired him to write "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," a non-fiction novel that became a national bestseller and won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.
Berendt's writing has been praised for its wit, charm, and ability to bring characters to life. His vivid descriptions of Savannah and its eccentric inhabitants have captivated readers and cemented his status as a master storyteller. Since the publication of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," Berendt has become a celebrated figure in Savannah, and was even presented with the key to the city, although he admits it didn't work.
In conclusion, John Berendt is a highly respected and accomplished author, who has made a significant contribution to the literary world with his unique writing style and captivating storytelling. His fascination with Savannah and its inhabitants has resulted in a bestselling novel that has won critical acclaim and numerous awards. Berendt's work continues to inspire and entertain readers, and his legacy as a master storyteller is well-deserved.