EL Doctorow, whose full name is Edgar Lawrence Doctorow, was born on January 6, 1931, in New York City, NY. He was raised in a Jewish household by Russian immigrant parents. From a young age, Doctorow showed a passion for literature and storytelling, which would eventually shape his successful writing career.
After graduating from Kenyon College in 1952 with a degree in philosophy, Doctorow was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his return to the United States, he embarked on a career in publishing, working as a book editor for nearly a decade. This experience exposed him to a wide range of literary genres and styles, ultimately influencing his own writing.
Doctorow's literary career took off in the early 1970s with the publication of his critically acclaimed novel "The Book of Daniel" in 1971. The novel, based on the controversial trial and execution of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, gained widespread recognition and established Doctorow as a master of historical fiction. His follow-up novel, "Ragtime," published in 1975, further solidified his reputation as a prominent American writer.
"Ragtime" was a commercial success and was later adapted into a Broadway musical and a film. Doctorow's ability to blend fictional characters with real historical events and figures set him apart from other writers of his time and earned him numerous awards and accolades.
Doctorow's contributions to American literature have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the PEN/Saul Bellow Award for Achievement in American Fiction. His novels continue to be studied and admired for their insight into various periods of American history and their exploration of complex moral and ethical issues.
In 1953, Doctorow married Helen Esther Setzer, with whom he had three children. Despite his busy writing career, Doctorow remained devoted to his family and found inspiration in their everyday lives.
Throughout his career, Doctorow collaborated with a range of authors and artists, including the influential writer Ayn Rand. His editorial work with Rand and others allowed him to gain valuable insights into the craft of writing and storytelling, which he later incorporated into his own work.
EL Doctorow continued to write and publish novels until his passing on July 21, 2015, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to inspire readers and writers alike. His unique blend of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling has cemented his place as one of the most influential American authors of the 20th century.
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