Daniel Mason is a published American author, known for his work that includes The Piano Tuner, A Far Country, The Winter Soldier, A Registry of My Passage Upon the Earth, and North Woods. His writing has been translated into 28 languages and has earned him numerous accolades, such as a 2021 Guggenheim Fellowship, the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, the California Book Award, the Northern California Book Award, and a Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.
In addition to his accomplishments as an author, Mason is also a physician. His background in medicine has significantly influenced his writing, as he often explores the intersection of medicine, mental health, and culture in his work. Mason's research and teaching interests include the subjective experience of mental illness and the influence of literature, history, and culture on the practice of medicine.
Mason's short stories and essays have been published in several prestigious publications, including The Atlantic, Harper’s, Zoetrope: All Story, Zyzzyva, Narrative, and Lapham’s Quarterly. His writing has been recognized with a Pushcart Prize, a National Magazine Award, and an O. Henry Prize. Furthermore, his work has been adapted for the stage and opera, showcasing the versatility and reach of his storytelling. Mason is currently an assistant professor in the Stanford University Department of Psychiatry, where he continues to explore the connections between literature and mental health.