Matthew Pearl is an American author known for his historical fiction novels. He often blends real historical figures with fictional narratives, creating engaging stories that explore themes of literature and mystery. His works include titles like The Dante Club and The Poe Shadow, which feature famous writers such as Dante Alighieri and Edgar Allan Poe. In addition to his novels, Pearl has a background in literature and has contributed to various publications. He is also involved in teaching and has spoken at numerous literary events, sharing his insights on writing and the importance of literary history.