Machado de Assis (1839-1908), was a Brazilian novelist, poet, playwright and short story writer. He is widely regarded as the greatest and most influential writer of Brazilian literature.

W.L. Grossman was the first English translator of Machado de Assis. In addition to translating The Alienist, Grossman has also translated the Machado de Assis books, Epitaph of a Small Winner and The Psychiatrist and Other Stories, which is co-translated with Helen Caldwel.

A classic work of literature by "the greatest author ever produced in Latin America." (Susan Sontag)

Brilliant physician Simão Bacamarte sacrifices a prestigious career to return home and dedicate himself to the budding field of psychology. Bacamarte opens the first asylum in Brazil hoping to crown himself and his hometown with "imperishable laurels." But the doctor begins to see signs of insanity in more and more of his neighbors. . . .
With dark humor and sparse prose, The Alienist lets the reader ponder who is really crazy.
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