Leon Levy Center for Biography

Established with a generous gift from the Leon Levy Foundation in 2007 as a hub for writers, scholars, students, teachers, and readers of biography, the Leon Levy Center for Biography at The Graduate Center builds connections between independent and university-affiliated biographers across disciplines and cultivates important discussions about the art and craft of biography historically and in our time.
The center sponsors a variety of events and public programs, and offers four fellowships annually to fund the research and writing of outstanding biographies and two fellowships to CUNY dissertation students writing biography.
Visit The Leon Levy Center for BiographY Website
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Upcoming Events
Latest News
Dec 1, 2022
Holiday Books: 9 Illuminating Reads from Graduate Center Faculty and Alumni
These memorable books make great gifts.
- GC Stories
- Faculty News
- Alumni News
Jul 1, 2021
16 Great Summer Reads From Grad Center Scholars
From their latest books about historical figures both well-known and overlooked, to the hidden histories of New York City's buildings and neighborhoods, to race and the Black experience, these Graduate Center authors have your summer reads covered.
- Alumni News
- Faculty News
- Podcast
Jun 24, 2021
WHY JIMMY CARTER WAS AN OUTLIER: KAI BIRD TALKS TO ‘NEW YORK TIMES’ JOURNALIST SAM ROBERTS ABOUT HIS PRAISED NEW BIOGRAPHY OF THE 39TH PRESIDENT
Kai Bird spoke to author and New York Times journalist Sam Roberts about the biography and his assessment of Carter's presidency. We share here excerpts from their in-depth conversation.
- Podcast
Oct 8, 2020
What Would Lincoln Do?
Professor David S. Reynolds' latest book, Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times, reveals a 'fresh' portrait of Lincoln that also speaks to our divided times.

M.A. Program in Biography and Memoir
In Fall 2019, The Graduate Center opened a new M.A. Program in Biography and Memoir. Students in the program benefit from the intellectual life of the Leon Levy Center for Biography. Merit scholarships are available.
Learn about the M.A. program