Charles J. Shields is an American biographer, teacher, and former adjunct professor of American and English literature. Born on December 2, 1951, Shields has gained recognition for his authoritative biographies of well-known literary figures. Perhaps most notably, he wrote "Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee," which became a New York Times bestseller, providing an in-depth look at the life of the famously private author of "To Kill a Mockingbird," Nelle Harper Lee. Shields's biographical works are characterized by extensive research and a commitment to presenting a comprehensive and insightful view of his subjects' lives and legacies. He has also written biographies of other notable writers, including Kurt Vonnegut and John Williams, further establishing his reputation as a meticulous and respected biographer in the literary world.