David Remnick

David J. Remnick was born on October 29, 1958, in Hackensack, New Jersey. He pursued his education at Princeton University, graduating summa cum laude in 1981 with a B.A. in comparative literature. During his time at Princeton, he was a member of the University Press Club and co-founded The Nassau Weekly. Remnick began his professional reporting career at The Washington Post in 1982, initially covering the United States Football League. His dedication led him to become the newspaper’s Moscow correspondent in 1988, a role that provided the foundation for his acclaimed book, “Lenin’s Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire.”

In 1992, Remnick joined The New Yorker as a staff writer, where his insightful articles quickly gained recognition. His 1997 piece “Kid Dynamite Blows Up,” focusing on boxer Mike Tyson, earned a nomination for a National Magazine Award. In July 1998, Remnick assumed the prestigious position of editor of The New Yorker, succeeding Tina Brown. Under his leadership, the magazine has received numerous accolades, including thirty-seven National Magazine Awards from one hundred and forty-nine nominations. He was honored as “Editor of the Year” by Advertising Age in 2000, underscoring his impact on the publishing industry.

Throughout his career, Remnick has published six books, including “Resurrection: The Struggle for a New Russia,” “King of the World: Muhammad Ali and the Rise of an American Hero,” and “The Bridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama.” He also hosts “The New Yorker Radio Hour,” produced by WNYC and The New Yorker, further expanding his reach in media. His contributions extend beyond editing and writing, as he has served on the New York Public Library board of trustees and is a member of the American Philosophical Society, demonstrating his commitment to intellectual and cultural institutions.