is acclaimed author Michael Lewis' first book

[suprunp]

One of the first books I read upon graduating college, Liar's Poker is acclaimed author Michael Lewis' first book — a captivating story about his short-lived postcollegiate career as a bond salesman in the 1980s.
(11 Books Every Young Leader Must Read)

Why not "is an acclaimed author Michael Lewis' first book"?

Thanks.

[Grumpy]

Because "acclaimed" is simply being used as an adjective.

[suprunp]

Because "acclaimed" is simply being used as an adjective.

My abject apologies, but I'm still none the wiser.

[bhaisahab]

My abject apologies, but I'm still none the wiser.

It's the first book written by acclaimed author Michael Lewis. It's Michael Lewis' first book. Would it help you to understand if it said Michael Lewis's first book?

[Rover_KE]

Think of it like this:

Liar's Poker is the first book of (the) acclaimed author Michael Lewis.

Rover

[suprunp]

It's the first book written by acclaimed author Michael Lewis.

Now I can see why there's no article in the original sentence. What I don't fully understand now is why 'author' is used without an article.

Thanks.

[5jj]

This seems to be a journalistic usage that is creeping into the general language.It's still correct to use the definite article, and I recommend that you do.

[bhaisahab]

Now I can see why there's no article in the original sentence. What I don't fully understand now is why 'author' is used without an article.

Thanks.

It's not necessary, that construction is very common. "The Comedians" was written by acclaimed author Graham Greene, for example.

[Raymott]

It's a common construct.
I'm answering a question by frequent poster suprunp.
The question has already been answered by moderators 5jj and bhaisahab.
Sometimes there'll be a comma: We're pleased to welcome three-times award winner, Billy Bunter.