Tom Deignan talks to Stephan Talty about The American School of Spies: His recent release detailing the extraordinary efforts of archaeologists who fought the Nazis to preserve ancient Greek artifacts, his other books and growing up in Buffalo, NY with immigrant Irish parents.
Stephan Talty is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist recognized for his compelling narrative nonfiction and psychological crime thrillers. Born in Buffalo, New York to parents from County Clare, he graduated from Amherst College and worked as a police reporter for the Miami Herald before establishing a prolific freelance and literary career.
Talty has written numerous critically acclaimed historical accounts, several of which have been adapted into major motion pictures.
A Captain’s Duty: Co-written with Captain Richard Phillips, this firsthand account of the Maersk Alabama hijacking serves as the basis for the Oscar-winning film Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks.
The Black Hand: A true-crime book chronicling early 20th-century New York City detective Joseph Petrosino and his fight against organized crime. Film rights were famously acquired by Paramount Pictures with Leonardo DiCaprio attached to star.
Agent Garbo: The bestselling story of Juan Pujol García, the eccentric double agent who successfully deceived Adolf Hitler to protect the D-Day landings.
In addition to his narrative history books, Talty is the creator of the Abbie Kearney crime fiction series, which includes the psychological thrillers Black Irish and Hangman. These gritty novels are set directly in his winter-whipped hometown of Buffalo, New York.
Talty’s historical journalism has also been featured in major national publications like the New York Times Magazine, GQ, and Playboy. His first published, on F. Scott Fitzgerald piece, ran in Irish America magazine. He currently resides outside New York City with his family.
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