born american historian biographer author famous man america biography henry ward won pulitzer prize biography autobiography born eugene oregon attended undergraduate began decade fascination famous alumnus 19th century abolitionist minister later subject widely publicized sex scandal subject yale received years research published famous man america praised critics awarded pulitzer prize announced second book biography new_york_city keeper biography born eugene oregon grew oregon graduating raised described unusual religious environment mother family new thought minister father irish catholic graduated cum sterling fellow yale_university earned american studies taught contributions appeared new_york_times founding member served interim president currently serves chair married business writer books include okay boss live connecticut famous man america undergraduate student worker assigned assemble exhibit famous alumnus selected 19th century minister known abolitionist preaching widely publicized sex scandal described unlike religious figure seen loved modern sense humor joyful approach religion life general later subject undergraduate senior thesis phd yale_university graduation signed publishing contract write biography initial chapters written considered overly academic voice write biography popular appeal studied fiction writing including techniques suspense pornographic writing structured resulting book psychological thriller originally hoped publish book scandal president bill_clinton discovered sexual relationship white_house intern research took years longer initially planned book finally released reception famous man america sold generally praised critics npr selected year best books stating book convinces readers truth title called beautifully written biography america best known preacher exceptionally thorough thoughtful account spectacular career helped shape reflect national civil war wrote assessment critical gives account review boston_globe called book fantastic story flair penetration changing motives actors reviewing book new_york_times stated writing occasionally loses force personal details concluded book biography worthy subject april book announced winner pulitzer prize biography autobiography said win half good luck come years ago don think climate ready religious right intersection politics important working biography new_york_city notorious prohibition era keeper memoir house home new york times bestseller film starring decision write book came year research 1920s new_york_city cultural history discovered memoir grew fascinated book titled published
Debby Applegate