Joseph Dobrian has published five novels—most of them dealing with middle-class, middle-American families—and two collections of journalism and personal essays. He is especially known for his “State City Trilogy”: three novels about romance and intrigue in the fictional town of State City, Iowa. He is also a well-known historian of boxing. 

Starting his career as a sportswriter (specializing in boxing), Joseph Dobrian quickly developed into an all-around journalist, with special emphasis on real estate, personal and commercial finance, the construction trades, and luxury retail. Born in Madison, Wisconsin. and educated at the University of Iowa, Joseph Dobrian lived for several decades in New York City and now makes his home in Iowa City, Iowa.