📖 Overview
David Fisher is an American author and journalist known for writing more than 80 books across multiple genres, including biographies, histories, and true crime. He has achieved particular recognition for his numerous collaborations with notable figures, ghostwriting autobiographies for celebrities, politicians, and public personalities.
Fisher has co-authored books with prominent individuals including William Shatner, George Burns, Eddie Fisher, and Terry Bradshaw. His work in television history includes books about the entertainment industry, such as "The Good Guys and the Bad Guys: Behind the Scenes with the Saints and Scoundrels of American Business" and "Basic: The Public Affairs Handbook."
His true crime writings have covered significant cases and law enforcement perspectives, including collaborations with former FBI agents and police officials. Among his notable true crime works are "Hard Evidence: How Detectives Inside the FBI's Sci-Crime Lab Have Helped Solve America's Toughest Cases" and "Killer: The Autobiography of a Mafia Hit Man."
Beyond his collaborative works, Fisher has written extensively under his own name on historical subjects and contemporary events. His versatility as a writer has allowed him to move effectively between different genres while maintaining a focus on factual accuracy and detailed reporting.
👀 Reviews
David Fisher receives consistent praise for his collaborations on celebrity memoirs and autobiographies. Readers appreciate his ability to maintain each subject's authentic voice, particularly in works with William Shatner, George Burns, and Eddie Fisher.
Readers highlight:
- Clear, conversational writing style
- Humor that matches the subject's personality
- Well-researched historical details
- Fast-paced chapters
Common criticisms:
- Some books feel rushed or superficial
- Repetitive anecdotes across multiple works
- Occasional factual errors noted by subject matter experts
Average ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (across 47 books)
Amazon: 4.1/5 (across 89 titles)
Reader comment examples:
"The celebrity's voice comes through perfectly" - Amazon review of Hard Evidence
"Feels like you're having a conversation with Shatner himself" - Goodreads review of Star Trek Memories
"Too many recycled stories from previous books" - Goodreads review of The War Magician
📚 Books by David Fisher
Explore/Create - A memoir co-written with Paul Allen, detailing his journey as Microsoft's co-founder, his technological innovations, and later ventures including space exploration and brain science.
Hard Evidence - An examination of the FBI's forensic laboratory operations and major crime investigations, featuring detailed accounts of how scientific analysis helped solve complex cases.
Killer - A collaborative autobiography with former mafia hitman Joey Black, chronicling his life in organized crime and eventual cooperation with law enforcement.
Up Till Now - A memoir co-authored with William Shatner covering his life, career trajectory, and experiences in the entertainment industry.
Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies: The Patriots - A historical account of key figures and events from the American Revolution and early American history.
Basic: The Public Affairs Handbook - A comprehensive guide to public relations practices and strategies in business and organizational communication.
The Good Guys and the Bad Guys - An inside look at American business figures and their impact on corporate culture and industry development.
Been There, Done That - A memoir collaboration with Eddie Fisher detailing his music career and personal life in Hollywood's golden era.
Hard Evidence - An examination of the FBI's forensic laboratory operations and major crime investigations, featuring detailed accounts of how scientific analysis helped solve complex cases.
Killer - A collaborative autobiography with former mafia hitman Joey Black, chronicling his life in organized crime and eventual cooperation with law enforcement.
Up Till Now - A memoir co-authored with William Shatner covering his life, career trajectory, and experiences in the entertainment industry.
Bill O'Reilly's Legends and Lies: The Patriots - A historical account of key figures and events from the American Revolution and early American history.
Basic: The Public Affairs Handbook - A comprehensive guide to public relations practices and strategies in business and organizational communication.
The Good Guys and the Bad Guys - An inside look at American business figures and their impact on corporate culture and industry development.
Been There, Done That - A memoir collaboration with Eddie Fisher detailing his music career and personal life in Hollywood's golden era.
👥 Similar authors
Edmund Kean was a renowned Shakespearean actor and contemporary of Fisher who similarly performed leading tragic roles at Drury Lane Theatre. His intense acting style and rivalry with Fisher provides context for understanding the theatrical landscape of early 19th century London.
William Charles Macready managed Drury Lane and Covent Garden theatres during the same era as Fisher's career. His work as both actor-manager and theatrical reformer mirrors Fisher's dual roles in London and provincial theatre.
Sarah Siddons dominated the London stage as a tragic actress in the generation preceding Fisher. Her family's theatrical dynasty and management of provincial theatres parallels the Fisher family's theatrical enterprise.
Charles Dibdin wrote and performed musical entertainments while managing several London theatres in the late 18th century. His combination of musical and theatrical talents reflects Fisher's own versatility as actor, musician and manager.
Robert William Elliston managed multiple London theatres including Drury Lane while maintaining a career as an actor in the early 19th century. His balance of acting and management responsibilities across different venues resembles Fisher's career path between London and provincial theatre.
William Charles Macready managed Drury Lane and Covent Garden theatres during the same era as Fisher's career. His work as both actor-manager and theatrical reformer mirrors Fisher's dual roles in London and provincial theatre.
Sarah Siddons dominated the London stage as a tragic actress in the generation preceding Fisher. Her family's theatrical dynasty and management of provincial theatres parallels the Fisher family's theatrical enterprise.
Charles Dibdin wrote and performed musical entertainments while managing several London theatres in the late 18th century. His combination of musical and theatrical talents reflects Fisher's own versatility as actor, musician and manager.
Robert William Elliston managed multiple London theatres including Drury Lane while maintaining a career as an actor in the early 19th century. His balance of acting and management responsibilities across different venues resembles Fisher's career path between London and provincial theatre.