David Baron

David Baron is a prizewinning author, journalist, broadcaster, and public speaker, who writes about science and the American West. A former science correspondent for NPR, he comes to the festival with "The Martians," a look at America's fascination with alien beings in the early 1900s. His first book, "The Beast in the Garden," won a Colorado Book Award. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, where he is an affiliate in the University of Colorado's Center for Environmental Journalism.   

Awards: Colorado Book Award (2003), Los Angeles Times Book Prize (finalist, 2003), American Institute of Physics Science Writing Award (2018), PEN/E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award (finalist, 2018)

Communities: LGBTQ+

Mars Madness

At the dawn of the 20th century, Mars mania captivated America. The New York Times reported that life existed on Mars, Nikola Tesla claimed he received radio signals from the red planet, and Martians invaded popular culture. In this session, David Baron will take a close look at what intrigued people then and consider why Mars continues to fascinate us today.

Arizona Daily Star Stage (Seats 250)  
Sat, Mar 14, 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
History / Biography
Signing area: Signing - Arizona Daily Star (following presentation)  

Panelist: David Baron
Moderator: Henry Brean
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of Arizona Daily Star

Adventures in Writing

Join three acclaimed authors as they reveal how to investigate hidden histories, chase scientific mysteries, and shape real events into vivid, page-turning narratives. Learn how rigorous research, storytelling craft, and curiosity fuel their adventurous nonfiction.

UA Library/Special Collections (Seats 110)  
Sun, Mar 15, 1:00 pm - 1:55 pm
History / Biography
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Integrated Learning Center (following presentation)  

Panelists: David Baron, Olivia Campbell, Nathalia Holt
Moderator: Mary Reynolds
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of University of Arizona Libraries, University of Arizona Press, Barbara and Kurt Reuter

Books:

The Martians

The True Story of an Alien Craze That Captured Turn-Of-the-Century America
History / Biography
Liveright Publishing Corporation
August 2025
ISBN 9781324090663
336 pages
Buy now

American Eclipse

A Nation's Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World
History / Biography
Liveright Publishing Corporation
February 2024
ISBN 9781324094692
368 pages
Buy now