Charles King is a distinguished historian and professor of international affairs at Georgetown University. He is the acclaimed author of "Gods of the Upper Air," which tells the story of anthropologist Franz Boas and his circle of pioneering students who revolutionized our understanding of culture and humanity. King has also written "Odessa: Genius and Death in a City of Dreams," exploring the vibrant history of the Ukrainian port city, and "Every Valley," examining the cultural power of Handel's Messiah. His work combines rigorous scholarship with compelling narrative, making complex historical subjects accessible to general audiences.