Thomas Harris is a celebrated American author, best known for his novels that deal with crime and suspense. His work is characterized by its intricate plotting, well-defined characters, and vivid descriptions of settings and situations. Harris has published several highly acclaimed and commercially successful novels, including Red Dragon, The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, and Hannibal Rising.

Harris was born in Jackson, Tennessee in 1940, and grew up in the American South. He attended Baylor University in Texas, where he studied English literature and journalism. After completing his studies, Harris worked as a reporter for several newspapers, including the Associated Press in New York City.

In the early 1970s, Harris began writing fiction, initially focusing on crime and true crime. His first published novel was Black Sunday, a thriller about a terrorist attack at the Super Bowl. The book was a huge commercial success, and was later made into a movie.

Harris's breakthrough novel, Red Dragon, was published in 1981. The book introduced the character of Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant and ruthless psychiatrist who became one of the most iconic villains in modern literature. The novel was followed by The Silence of the Lambs, which won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 1988. The book was adapted into an acclaimed movie in 1991, and has since become a cultural landmark.

Harris's other novels include Hannibal, which was published in 1999, and Hannibal Rising, which was published in 2006. Both books explore the early life and psyche of Hannibal Lecter, and have generated considerable controversy over their depiction of violence and sexuality.

Throughout his career, Harris has been praised for his meticulous research, his attention to detail, and his ability to create fully realized and compelling characters. His work has been translated into dozens of languages, and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

In addition to his literary achievements, Harris is known for his privacy and reluctance to grant interviews. He currently resides in Florida.