Roger Kimball, born in 1953, is an American art critic, author, and prominent conservative intellectual known for his contributions to cultural and political commentary. He gained significant attention in the early 1990s with the publication of his influential book 'Tenured Radicals: How Politics Has Corrupted Higher Education' (1990), which critiqued the impact of progressive ideologies on American academia. Kimball's work often defends traditional Western cultural values against what he perceives as radical left-wing influences in education, arts, and society. He has written numerous books, including 'The Rape of the Masters' (2004) and 'Lives of the Mind: The Use and Abuse of Intelligence from Hegel to Wodehouse' (2012), establishing himself as a key figure in conservative intellectual circles.

Kimball's long association with The New Criterion, a monthly literary magazine founded by Hilton Kramer that focuses on the arts, culture, and criticism from a traditionalist perspective, began in 1988 as its managing editor. He succeeded Hilton Kramer as editor in 1996 and later became publisher after Kramer's death in 2012. Under Kimball's leadership, the publication has maintained a staunchly conservative stance, critiquing modern art, literature, and political trends.

Additionally, Kimball is the publisher of Encounter Books, an imprint specializing in conservative nonfiction. His career also includes contributions to outlets like National Review and The Wall Street Journal, where he has opined on topics ranging from art history to cultural politics. Kimball's influence extends through his involvement in conservative networks, including his role as a Senior Fellow and member of the Board of Trustees at the conservative think tank the Manhattan Institute. He has been professionally associated with figures like Peter Collier. His writings and editorial decisions have sparked debates, positioning him as a defender of classical liberalism and traditionalism in an era of cultural shifts.