Noah Gordon is a renowned literary and historical fiction author, who was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on November 11, 1926. He was named after his paternal grandmother, Noah Melnikoff, who had passed away a few months before his birth. Gordon's childhood was spent in a working-class neighborhood in Worcester, where he attended Grafton Street Junior High School. As a teenager, he was certain that the Second World War would be over before he would be drafted, but his plans changed when he graduated from high school in 1945. Determined to fight for his country, he volunteered for the Navy, despite being color blind and wearing glasses. To his surprise, he was admitted to the US Infantry.
Gordon is known for his novels that explore themes of medical history, medical ethics, the Inquisition, and Jewish cultural history. His novel "Shaman" won the first James Fenimore Cooper Prize for Best Historical Fiction in 1993. His works have been widely read and have earned him a number of awards, including the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for historical fiction in America. Gordon's international bestsellers have sold millions of copies, solidifying his reputation as a master of the historical fiction genre. He currently resides outside of Boston with his wife, Lorraine Gordon.
In summary, Noah Gordon is a highly respected author of literary and historical fiction, born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. His novels delve into themes of medical history, medical ethics, the Inquisition, and Jewish cultural history. He has received numerous awards for his works, including the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for Best Historical Fiction. Gordon's novels have captivated readers worldwide, with millions of copies sold internationally. He continues to reside in the Boston area with his wife, Lorraine.