The Godfather was written in 1969 by what author?

The Godfather was written in 1969 by author Mario Puzo. Published on March 10, 1969, the crime novel follows the fictional Corleone family, an Italian-American Mafia dynasty based in New York and Long Island.

Puzo drew on research into organized crime and intended the story to have broad popular appeal. The novel introduced readers to characters such as Don Vito Corleone, Michael Corleone, Sonny Corleone, and consigliere Tom Hagen. Several Italian and Sicilian terms used in the book later became familiar to international audiences.

The novel became a major bestseller, remaining on The New York Times Best Seller list for 67 weeks and selling more than nine million copies in its first two years. Puzo later co-wrote the screenplay for the 1972 film adaptation with director Francis Ford Coppola.

A common mix-up is confusing the novel’s author with the film’s director. Puzo wrote the original book, while Coppola directed the celebrated movie adaptation; both also collaborated on the film’s screenplay.