Nicholson Baker, born on January 7, 1957, is an American novelist and essayist known for his distinct literary style that emphasizes careful description and characterization over traditional narrative. With a total of ten novels to his name, Baker's works include both fiction and non-fiction, with three of his novels falling into the erotica genre. He gained recognition for his non-fiction book, U and I: A True Story, which explores his relationship with John Updike, and his 2001 work, Double Fold: Libraries and the Assault on Paper, which received critical acclaim and awards. Baker is also a pacifist and has written about the buildup to World War II in his book Human Smoke (2008). He has contributed articles to esteemed publications such as Harper's Magazine, the London Review of Books, and The New Yorker. In addition to his literary pursuits, Baker is a fervent critic of the destruction of paper-based media by libraries and established the American Newspaper Repository in 1999. He is married to Margaret Brentano and resides in Maine with their two grown children. Baker's influential literary contributions and his advocacy for the preservation of paper-based media have solidified his legacy in the world of literature and intellectual discourse.

The Nicholson surname is of Germanic and Scottish origin, derived from the given name Nichol, a medieval form of Nicholas. The name has been carried by a diverse range of individuals across various fields and countries. Notable individuals with the Nicholson surname include Aideen Nicholson, an Irish-born Canadian politician; A. J. Nicholson, an American football linebacker; and Ben Nicholson, a renowned English abstract painter. The list also includes figures such as Anna Nicholson, a British para-athlete; Chris Nicholson, a New Zealand Olympian in cycling and speed skating; and Jack Nicholson, the iconic American actor. Additionally, the Nicholson surname has been associated with figures in politics, art, sports, and literature, showcasing its wide-reaching influence across different domains and regions.