Sylvia Nasar, born on August 17, 1947, in Rosenheim, Bavaria, is a distinguished American journalist and author, best known for her biography of John Forbes Nash Jr., A Beautiful Mind. This work not only earned her the National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography but also made her a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Her storytelling weaves together the complex tapestry of Nash's life, intertwining his mathematical genius with his struggles, thereby presenting a compelling narrative that has captivated readers worldwide.

Nasar's background is as diverse as her writing. She was born to a German mother and an Uzbek father, who was an officer in the CIA and later settled in the United States. This rich cultural heritage has undoubtedly influenced her perspective and narrative style. In addition to A Beautiful Mind, she is also the author of Grand Pursuit, a book that explores the epic story of economic thought. Prior to her literary achievements, Nasar served as an economic reporter for the New York Times and has been recognized with the prestigious Knight Chair in Business Journalism at Columbia University.

Her academic journey took her from Antioch College, where she graduated in 1970, to New York University, where she earned a master's degree in economics in 1976. Nasar's pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there; she spent four fruitful years conducting research with Nobel Laureate Wassily Leontief. Today, she holds the position of Knight Professor Emerita at Columbia University's School of Journalism.

Outside of her professional life, Nasar is a dedicated family woman. She and her husband, economist Darryl McLeod, have three children, and they currently reside in Tarrytown, New York.