Jerome Charyn, born on May 13, 1937, is a distinguished American writer, known for his versatility and prolific output across multiple genres. His career spans over half a century and includes nearly 50 published works, earning him a reputation as both an inventive chronicler of American life and a literary figure of significant import.

Acclaimed novelist Michael Chabon regards Charyn as "one of the most important writers in American literature." He has been likened to a contemporary American Balzac by New York Newsday and described by the Los Angeles Times as "absolutely unique among American writers." Charyn's literary journey began with the publication of his first novel, Once Upon a Droshky, in 1964.

His notable creation, detective character Isaac Sidel, debuted in the novel With Blue Eyes (1975) and brought him widespread acclaim. Charyn's portfolio is extensive, comprising 37 novels, three memoirs, nine graphic novels, two books about film, as well as short stories, plays, and works of non-fiction. Two of his memoirs have been honored as New York Times Book of the Year. His literary achievements include being a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and being granted a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship in Fiction in 1983. Additionally, he has received the Rosenthal Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and was named Commander of Arts and Letter (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) by the French Minister of Culture.

Charyn also served as a Distinguished Professor of Film Studies at the American University of Paris until his retirement from teaching in 2009. Beyond literature, he has made his mark as a tournament table tennis player, once ranked among the top echelon in France, earning praise from novelist Don DeLillo for his book on the sport. Charyn splits his time between Paris and New York City.