Evan Thomas

Evan Thomas is an American author, journalist, and educator known for his detailed historical and political biographies. A longtime editor and writer for national publications, he has authored several bestselling books examining pivotal figures and moments in 20th-century American history. He has also served as a professor of journalism and writing at Princeton University and other institutions, blending a career in media with academic instruction.

Early life and education

Evan Thomas was born in Huntington, New York, and is the son of the noted philosopher and Quaker Sidney Thomas. He attended the prestigious Buckley School in New York City before enrolling at Harvard University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in American history. Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, though he ultimately chose a path in journalism rather than law.

Career

Thomas began his journalism career at *Time* magazine in 1977, where he worked for over two decades, eventually serving as the magazine's Washington bureau chief and writing over a hundred cover stories. In 1991, he joined Newsweek, where he held several senior positions including assistant managing editor and columnist, contributing significantly to the magazine's political coverage during pivotal events like the Clinton impeachment and the September 11 attacks. His reporting often focused on the White House, the Pentagon, and the Supreme Court, earning him a reputation for insightful analysis. After leaving full-time journalism, he turned to writing authoritative historical books, such as his acclaimed biography of Robert F. Kennedy and his study of the Cuban Missile Crisis, *Ike's Bluff*. He has also been a frequent contributor to The New York Times Book Review and NPR, and has taught as a Ferris Professor of Journalism at Princeton University.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Evan Thomas has received numerous accolades for his writing and journalism. He has been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and his work has been recognized by the American Society of Magazine Editors. His book *Sea of Thunder* was praised for its narrative history of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In 2005, he was a co-recipient of a National Magazine Award for his Newsweek coverage. His contributions to historical literature and political commentary have cemented his standing within institutions like the Council on Foreign Relations.

Personal life

Evan Thomas is married to Oscie Thomas, and the couple has two children. He resides in Washington, D.C., and maintains an active role in the literary and journalistic communities. The son of a prominent academic, Thomas has often spoken about the influence of his family's intellectual background on his approach to writing and research.

Selected works

Thomas's body of work primarily consists of meticulously researched historical narratives and biographies. His notable books include *The Man to See: Edward Bennett Williams* (1991), a biography of the famed Washington, D.C. lawyer; *Robert Kennedy: His Life* (2000); *John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy* (2003); *Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign 1941-1945* (2006); *The War Lovers: Roosevelt, Lodge, Hearst, and the Rush to Empire, 1898* (2010); *Ike's Bluff: President Eisenhower's Secret Battle to Save the World* (2012); and *Being Nixon: A Man Divided* (2015). His most recent work continues to explore the complexities of American political power.

Category:American biographers Category:American journalists Category:Harvard University alumni Category:University of Virginia alumni Category:1951 births Category:Living people