Explore David Grann’s remarkable biography, including his net worth, bestselling books, personal life, and literary legacy. Discover his journey as a master storyteller.
David Grann is a celebrated American journalist and bestselling author known for his deeply researched nonfiction narratives. His work combines investigative journalism with literary storytelling, earning him a place among the most respected writers of our time.
Whether he’s writing about lost civilizations, murder mysteries, or Arctic explorers, Grann’s stories have captivated global audiences and sparked major film adaptations—including the Oscar-nominated Killers of the Flower Moon.
“When facts are stranger than fiction, a story becomes unforgettable.” – David Grann
As of August 6, 2025, his career continues to thrive, inspiring writers, readers, and researchers alike.
Highlights of This Biography
Author of New York Times bestsellers, including Killers of the Flower Moon, The Lost City of Z, and The Wager.
Killers of the Flower Moon was adapted into a 2023 Martin Scorsese film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
Award-winning journalist at The New Yorker since 2003.
Estimated net worth of $5–7 million, according to public literary sales and film royalties.
Recipient of the George Polk Award, Edgar Award, and other prestigious honors.
Married to journalist Kyra Darnton; the couple has children.
Known for bringing forgotten histories and hidden truths to life through immersive research.
Early Life
David Grann was born on March 10, 1967, in New York City, United States. He was raised in a Jewish intellectual household, with a strong focus on literature and inquiry. His father, Victor Grann, is a prominent oncologist, and his mother, Phyllis Grann, was a senior executive in publishing.
Grann earned a Bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College, followed by graduate studies at Boston University (MA in International Relations) and the University of Mexico, where he was a Fulbright Scholar. These academic experiences laid the foundation for his unique blend of global storytelling and investigative depth.
Career Breakthroughs
Grann began his journalism career in the 1990s, working for The Hill and later becoming a senior editor at The New Republic. In 2003, he joined The New Yorker, where he gained national attention for long-form features that read like gripping novels.
His 2009 book The Lost City of Z chronicled the search for a mythical city in the Amazon and became an international bestseller. In 2017, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI solidified his status as a literary nonfiction heavyweight. The book’s adaptation by Martin Scorsese in 2023 brought his work to an even wider audience.
His latest book, The Wager (2023), explores a mutiny and shipwreck off the coast of South America in the 18th century—and quickly hit bestseller lists worldwide.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
As of 2025, David Grann’s net worth is estimated between $5 million and $7 million, according to sources like Wealthy Persons and industry estimates.
His income stems from:
Book royalties from multiple bestsellers
Speaking engagements at literary and historical events
Film adaptation rights, particularly Killers of the Flower Moon and The Lost City of Z
Longstanding contract with The New Yorker
Grann’s meticulous research process—often involving years of archival digging and on-the-ground reporting—sets him apart from other authors in his genre.
Personal Life
David Grann is married to Kyra Darnton, a fellow journalist and the daughter of famed historian Robert Darnton. The couple lives in New York City and has children.
He is known to be deeply private, preferring to keep his personal life out of the limelight while continuing to write full-time.
Despite his reserved nature, Grann frequently appears at literary festivals, journalism panels, and history-focused podcasts, where his insights into narrative nonfiction are highly sought after.
Conclusion
David Grann’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling that is rooted in truth. By unearthing forgotten histories and telling them with cinematic flair, he has redefined modern nonfiction.
His legacy lies not only in the awards he has won but in the impact his books have had on public awareness, historical justice, and cultural memory.
“Truth, if told well, can be more thrilling than fiction.” – David Grann
What’s your favorite David Grann book? Share in the comments and check out more author biographies on our blog!
FAQs About David Grann’s Biography
What is David Grann’s net worth?
As of August 2025, David Grann’s estimated net worth is between $5 and $7 million, largely earned through book royalties, journalism, and film rights.
How old is David Grann?
David Grann is 58 years old, born on March 10, 1967.
What books is David Grann known for?
Grann is best known for Killers of the Flower Moon, The Lost City of Z, and The Wager. All are critically acclaimed nonfiction works based on real historical events.
Who is David Grann’s wife?
He is married to Kyra Darnton, a journalist and the daughter of historian Robert Darnton. They reside in New York with their children.
What is David Grann’s nationality?
David Grann is American, born and raised in New York City.
Where did David Grann study?
He graduated from Connecticut College, earned a master’s at Boston University, and was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Mexico.
What awards has David Grann won?
Grann has received several journalism and literary awards, including the George Polk Award, an Edgar Award, and a National Magazine Award, among others.