Peter Matthiessen is a world-renowned American author, naturalist, and Zen Buddhist who has made an indelible mark on the literary world with his award-winning books and passionate advocacy for conservation and environmental protection.

Born on May 22, 1927, in New York City, Peter Matthiessen spent his formative years immersed in literature and nature, two passions that would shape and define his life's work. After pursuing a brief career in the US Navy and then studying at Yale University, where he was awarded a degree in English literature, Matthiessen embarked on a journey that would take him across the globe and lead him to become a prolific writer of both fiction and non-fiction.

Matthiessen's writing is characterized by its profound insights into human nature and its unflinching portrayal of the natural world. His books range from compelling literary fiction to investigative journalism to deeply spiritual journeys that explore the intersection of Zen Buddhism and the natural world. Of his many works, perhaps none is more celebrated than The Snow Leopard, an autobiographical account of his journey through the Himalayas in search of the elusive snow leopard that won the National Book Award in 1979.

In addition to his literary achievements, Matthiessen was a passionate advocate for conservation and environmental protection. He co-founded The Paris Review and helped found The Nature Conservancy, which today is one of the largest environmental organizations in the world. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to promote awareness of environmental issues and to protect the natural world for future generations.

Peter Matthiessen's unparalleled contributions to literature and to the conservation movement have earned him numerous accolades and honors, including the prestigious National Book Award for both fiction and non-fiction, the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Matthiessen's work continues to inspire readers around the world, and his legacy as a writer, naturalist, and conservationist will endure for generations to come.