David I. Kertzer
David I. Kertzer is a prominent American anthropologist and historian who specializes in Italian history, politics, and society. He was born on February 20, 1948, in New York City. Kertzer graduated from Brown University in 1969 and received his Ph.D. in Anthropology from Brandeis University in 1974. Throughout his career, Kertzer has focused on the interplay between politics and religious institutions, particularly the role of the Catholic Church in Italian politics and society. His work is noted for its use of archival sources and its interdisciplinary approach, blending anthropology, history, and political science. Kertzer's scholarship has been recognized with numerous awards. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in 2015 for his book 'The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and the Rise of Fascism in Europe'. This book examines the relationship between Pope Pius XI and Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, revealing previously undisclosed collaborations between the Vatican and the Italian fascist regime. Kertzer has served as a professor at Brown University, where he has taught since 1992. He has also held positions at other prestigious institutions, including Harvard University and the University of Michigan. His academic work continues to influence the fields of anthropology, history, and religious studies, making significant contributions to our understanding of modern European history.