David Chadwick is an American author, best known for his work in biographical writing and his contributions to the field of spiritual literature, particularly in relation to Zen Buddhism. One of his most notable works is "Crooked Cucumber: The Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki", a biography of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, a key figure who helped popularize Zen Buddhism in the United States in the 20th century. Chadwick himself has been a student of Zen since the late 1960s, and his writings often reflect his experiences and insights gained through his spiritual practice. His works combine personal narrative, historical research, and teachings on mindfulness and Zen principles, providing accessible introductions to key ideas in Buddhism for Western readers.