Julian Kessler

Julian Kessler is an acclaimed author and historian renowned for his deeply researched and empathetic explorations of some of the world's most impactful mass tragedies. With a background in investigative journalism and a master's degree in social psychology, Kessler combines meticulous fact-finding with a compassionate narrative style to honor victims and illuminate the societal forces behind catastrophic events. His work focuses on understanding the causes and consequences of mass violence,...See more

Julian Kessler is an acclaimed author and historian renowned for his deeply researched and empathetic explorations of some of the world's most impactful mass tragedies. With a background in investigative journalism and a master's degree in social psychology, Kessler combines meticulous fact-finding with a compassionate narrative style to honor victims and illuminate the societal forces behind catastrophic events. His work focuses on understanding the causes and consequences of mass violence, from school shootings to acts of terrorism, with an emphasis on fostering dialogue about prevention, mental health, and policy reform. Born in a small town in upstate New York, Kessler developed an early fascination with history and human behavior, inspired by his parents' work as educators and community advocates. After earning his degree, he spent a decade as a freelance journalist, covering global conflicts and social issues for major publications. His transition to non-fiction authorship began with a desire to delve deeper into the stories that shape societies, leading to his critically praised series on mass murders, including the Columbine Shooting (1999), Utøya Massacre (2011), Port Arthur Massacre (1996), Daegu Subway Fire (2003), and Erfurt School Shooting (2002). Kessler's writing is distinguished by its balance of rigorous analysis and emotional resonance, earning him recognition as a voice of clarity in the true crime genre. He is a frequent speaker at international conferences on gun control, mental health, and public safety, advocating for evidence-based solutions to prevent future tragedies. When not writing, Kessler resides in Berlin, where he enjoys hiking, studying European history, and mentoring aspiring writers. See less