Taylor Branch is an American author and historian best known for his landmark trilogy on the civil rights era, "America in the King Years." Born on January 14, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia, Branch has written extensively on American political and civil rights history, with a particular focus on Martin Luther King Jr. and the African American struggle for equality. His trilogy includes the books "Parting the Waters: America in the King Years, 1954-63," "Pillar of Fire: America in the King Years, 1963-65," and "At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68." His work has been acclaimed for its thorough research and compelling narrative, earning him a Pulitzer Prize for History and other prestigious awards. In addition to his historical work, Branch has also written for various publications and taken part in public speaking engagements about history, politics, and race in America.