Allen Drury (1918–1998) was an American novelist and journalist best known for his political fiction set in Washington, D.C. He was born in Houston and grew up in California. Drury studied at Stanford University and began his career as a journalist, eventually working as a correspondent covering the U.S. Senate.

His firsthand experience in politics inspired his most famous novel, Advise and Consent (1959), a detailed and dramatic portrayal of political power, ambition, and the legislative process. The book was a major success and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. He went on to write several follow-up novels set in the same political world, exploring Cold War tensions and American government.

Drury’s writing is known for its realism, intricate plots, and deep understanding of political institutions. Though his popularity declined later in his career, he remains an important figure in American political fiction, especially for his insider depiction of government and public life.