Thomas Quinn Cahill was an esteemed American scholar and writer, renowned for his The Hinges of History series. This prospective seven-volume series explores formative moments in Western civilization, showcasing Cahill's talent for bringing history to life.

Born in New York City to Irish-American parents, and raised in Queens and the Bronx, Cahill was educated by Jesuits. He developed a deep understanding of ancient Greek and Latin, studying at Fordham University where he completed a B.A. in classical literature and philosophy in 1964, and a pontifical degree in philosophy in 1965. He furthered his education at Columbia University, earning an M.F.A. in film and dramatic literature in 1968.

In preparation for writing The Gifts of the Jews, Cahill studied scripture at Union Theological Seminary in New York, and spent two years as a Visiting Scholar at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, where he studied Hebrew and the Hebrew Bible.