Mary Doria Russell is an acclaimed American novelist, celebrated for her profound contributions to literature. Born on August 19, 1950, in the suburbs of Chicago, she comes from a military family, with both parents serving in the armed forces—her father as a Marine Corps drill sergeant and her mother as a Navy nurse. Russell's academic journey is nothing short of impressive, holding a Ph.D. in Paleoanthropology from the University of Michigan. Her intellectual pursuits didn't stop there; she further explored cultural anthropology at the University of Illinois and delved into social anthropology at Northeastern University in Boston.

Russell's literary works are known for their depth and the meticulous research that underpins them. Residing in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband Don and their two dogs, she leads a life that intertwines the simplicity of personal joy with the complexity of understanding human history and behavior. Despite her inclination towards a more private life, particularly online, Russell is open to engaging with her readers. She prefers communication through email, which can be facilitated via her website.