Picture an American storyteller who spins history into spellbinding tales—meet Amy Butler Greenfield! Born in 1968, this award-winning historian and novelist weaves meticulous research with vibrant storytelling, captivating readers of all ages. From the vivid hues of A Perfect Red to the magical melodies of the Chantress series, Greenfield’s work brings the past to life with a playful yet profound touch.
With a passion for dusty archives and global perspectives, she’s not just a writer but a time-traveler, inviting us to explore forgotten worlds. Whether she’s unraveling the secrets of a red dye or crafting young adult fantasies, Greenfield’s stories are as colorful as her imagination.
The Making of Amy Butler Greenfield
Born in Philadelphia and raised in the Adirondack Mountains, Amy Butler Greenfield grew up in a small town where woodstoves warmed homes and chickens roamed barns. A descendant of dyers, she developed an early fascination with color and history. She graduated summa cum laude from Williams College and, as a Marshall Scholar, studied modern history at Oxford, diving into the early history of chocolate. This blend of academic rigor and curiosity shaped her path as a writer, leading her to trade a Ph.D. for a pen and a story.
Amy Butler Greenfield’s Unforgettable Stories
Greenfield’s debut nonfiction, A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire, is a dazzling exploration of cochineal, a red dye that sparked global rivalries in the 16th century. Praised as a “smart blend of science and culture,” it won the PEN/Albrand Award and the Veolia Prix du Livre Environnement. Her young adult Chantress trilogy—Chantress, Chantress Alchemy, and Chantress Fury—follows Lucy, a girl who sings magic in an alternate 17th-century England. This series, infused with romance and intrigue, earned accolades like the Beacon of Freedom Award.
Greenfield also shines in children’s literature with her Ra the Mighty series, featuring a pharaoh’s cat turned detective in ancient Egypt. Her 2021 biography, The Woman All Spies Fear, celebrates codebreaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman, earning starred reviews for its accessible yet thrilling narrative. Greenfield’s style marries historical precision with a storyteller’s flair, making complex pasts feel immediate and enchanting.
Why Amy Butler Greenfield Matters
Amy Butler Greenfield’s work bridges generations, blending history with imagination to inspire curiosity. Her books, translated into nine languages, have introduced young readers to STEM pioneers like Friedman and sparked wonder in adults through tales of color and empire. As a speaker, she’s charmed audiences from Harvard to GCHQ, sharing her love for history and storytelling. By illuminating unsung heroes and forgotten trades, Greenfield reminds us that the past is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told.
- Born: 1968, Philadelphia, PA
- Key Works: A Perfect Red, Chantress trilogy, The Woman All Spies Fear, Ra the Mighty series
- Awards: PEN/Albrand Award, Beacon of Freedom Award, Veolia Prix du Livre Environnement
- Fun Fact: She bakes double-dark-chocolate cake!
Snag A Perfect Red or dive into the Chantress trilogy to explore Amy Butler Greenfield’s vibrant worlds of history and magic!