(born 1955) One of the most popular and bestselling authors of the late twentieth and early twentyfirst centuries, Grisham has mastered the intricate legal maneuvering that drives all of his plots. His main character is usually a brilliant if somewhat maverick attorney confronting the shortcomings of his profession as he schemes to correct or take advantage of the system to his or his client’s benefit. Grisham has addressed several modern social ailments, such as the death penalty (The Chamber, 1994) or homelessness (The Street Lawyer, 1998). He has been a permanent fixture on the bestseller lists since 1990, and six of his ten novels have been made into movies.