Eric Lax is an American author known for his extensive work on modern medicine, several books on Woody Allen including a biography, and his personal memoir “Faith: Interrupted,” which explores his deep religious roots and eventual departure from Christian faith.

Raised in an Episcopalian family, the son of an Episcopal priest, Lax graduated from The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, California, in 1962, and earned his English degree from Hobart College in 1966. Amidst the Vietnam War draft, Lax applied for conscientious objector status and joined the Peace Corps, which led him to serve in Chuuk and the Caroline Islands in the western Pacific. After his Peace Corps service, he worked in Washington, D.C., traveling to over 40 countries.

Lax began his full-time writing career in 1970, with his first book “On Being Funny: Woody Allen and Comedy” published in 1975, a blend of Woody Allen’s biography and a study of comedy. His interest in medicine and science led to “Life and Death on 10 West” about the UCLA Medical Center’s bone marrow transplantation ward, and “The Mold in Dr. Florey’s Coat,” detailing the development of penicillin. His other notable works include “Woody Allen: A Biography,” “Conversations with Woody Allen,” and, as a co-author, “Bogart.” A prolific writer, Lax has contributed to various publications and served as a contributing editor for Esquire magazine. He has held positions as the president of PEN Center USA, Vice President of PEN International, and is a board member of The Los Angeles Review of Books.