Kai Bird

Date of Birth: September 2, 1951

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Kai Bird is an American author and biographer, renowned for his works on American political history and international affairs. Born in Eugene, Oregon, Bird spent much of his childhood overseas, nurturing a global perspective that would later shape his writing. He attended Carleton College, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree, and went on to receive a Master of Arts from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Bird has authored several acclaimed biographies, including “The Color of Truth: McGeorge Bundy and William Bundy, Brothers in Arms” and “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer,” the latter of which won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography. His work often delves into the complexities of political figures and events, providing nuanced insights into their lives and legacies.

5 Interesting Facts about Kai Bird

1. Kai Bird spent part of his childhood in Jerusalem, Beirut, Dhahran, Cairo, and Mumbai due to his father’s work as a U.S. Foreign Service officer.

2. He co-authored “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer” with Martin J. Sherwin, which took 25 years of research and writing to complete.

3. Bird’s book “The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames” was a New York Times bestseller.

4. He has been a contributing editor for The Nation and has written for numerous publications including The New York Times, Foreign Affairs, and The Washington Post.

5. Kai Bird is a member of the Society of American Historians.