Robert Littell is an accomplished American author, well-known for his spy fiction. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 8, 1935. After graduating from Alfred University in 1956, Littell joined the U.S. Navy for four years before embarking on a career in journalism. His time as a journalist coincided with the Cold War, a period that greatly influenced his writing.
Littell's literary contributions have placed him in the same league as other spy fiction greats like John Le Carre and Graham Greene. His debut novel, 'The Defection of A.J. Lewinter,' marked the beginning of his focus on the Soviet Union and Russian themes, a topic he has continued to explore throughout his career. His works are characterized by their intricate plotlines and deep character development, which have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal readership.
In addition to his writing, Littell is an avid amateur mountain climber, finding balance in the thrill of climbing alongside the intellectual pursuit of writing. He is also a proud father to another distinguished writer, Jonathan Littell. After many years spent working as a journalist and author in the United States, Littell now resides in France. His body of work includes bestsellers like 'The Company,' which was adapted into a TNT mini-series, and 'Legends,' winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Award for Best Thriller of 2005. His commitment to his craft and his unique storytelling have solidified his place as a respected figure in American literature.