Amin Maalouf, born in Beirut on 25 February 1949, is a distinguished Lebanese-born French author. Having relocated to France in 1976 due to the Lebanese civil war, he has since become a prolific writer, contributing significantly to the literary world both in journalism and in novel writing. Maalouf's primary medium of expression is French, although Arabic is his native language. His extensive body of work has been translated into over 40 languages, allowing his unique perspectives to reach a global audience.

Maalouf's literary contributions include several works of nonfiction, with The Crusades Through Arab Eyes being among his most celebrated. In 1993, he was honored with the prestigious Prix Goncourt for his novel The Rock of Tanios. Further cementing his reputation in the literary world, Maalouf received the 2010 Prince of Asturias Award for Literature. His academic and literary achievements were recognized when he was elected to the Académie française, succeeding Claude Lévi-Strauss to occupy seat number 29, and in 2023, he was elected its Perpetual Secretary.

Throughout his career, Maalouf has been known for his ability to weave historical facts with fantasy and philosophical ideas, akin to the writing styles of Umberto Eco, Orhan Pamuk, and Arturo Pérez-Reverte. He believes in the power of writing to create "positive myths," offering a sensitive exploration of the values and attitudes of various cultures, particularly those from the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean world. Maalouf's storytelling is marked by a profound understanding of humanity, making his works a bridge between multiple worlds and perspectives.