Katherine Howe

Katherine Howe, a distinguished voice in both historical fiction and nonfiction, hails from Houston but has firmly established her literary roots in New England. Her academic pursuits in art history, philosophy, and American studies, cultivated at Columbia University and Boston University, have profoundly informed her writing. Currently, she is advancing her scholarly endeavors with a doctoral degree at the University of East Anglia. Howe's narrative prowess and deep-seated interest in the nuances of America's past are evident throughout her body of work, which deftly intertwines historical intrigue with contemporary relevance. Among Howe's most acclaimed works, "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane" stands out, having captivated readers with its debut at #2 on the New York Times bestseller list in 2009 and earning a place among USA Today's top ten books of the year. Her novel "Conversion" further solidified her reputation, garnering the Massachusetts Book Award in young adult literature in 2015. Howe's collaboration with Anderson Cooper on "Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty" achieved #1 bestseller status, showcasing her ability to bring historical narratives to a wide audience. Their subsequent work, "Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune," released in 2023, continues this exploration of American dynasties. Additionally, Howe's editorial work on "The Penguin Book of Witches" and the forthcoming "The Penguin Book of Pirates" highlights her dedication to unearthing and presenting historical narratives that resonate with modern audiences. Howe's literary style is renowned for its meticulous research, rich historical context, and the seamless weaving of fact with fiction. Her works often explore themes of legacy, power, and the supernatural, inviting readers to reconsider the complexities of history and its impact on the present. By blending the enigmatic with the factual, Howe has carved a niche for herself as a leading authority in historical storytelling, enriching the literary landscape with her insightful and thought-provoking contributions.