E. L. Doctorow
Full Name and Common Aliases
Edgar Lawrence Doctorow, commonly known as E. L. Doctorow, was a celebrated American author whose works have left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary literature. His unique narrative style and profound exploration of historical themes have made him a significant figure in American letters.
Birth and Death Dates
E. L. Doctorow was born on January 6, 1931, and passed away on July 21, 2015. His life spanned a period of immense cultural and social change, which he adeptly captured in his writing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Doctorow was an American novelist, editor, and professor. His career was marked by a deep engagement with the American experience, both past and present, and he is often celebrated for his ability to weave historical events into compelling narratives.
Early Life and Background
Born in the Bronx, New York City, Doctorow was the son of Rose and David Doctorow, second-generation Americans of Russian Jewish descent. His upbringing in a culturally rich and diverse environment influenced his later works, which often explore themes of identity and history. Doctorow attended the Bronx High School of Science, where his interest in literature began to flourish. He went on to study at Kenyon College in Ohio, where he earned a degree in philosophy, and later pursued graduate studies at Columbia University.
Major Accomplishments
E. L. Doctorow's career was marked by numerous accolades and achievements. He received the National Book Award, three National Book Critics Circle Awards, two PEN/Faulkner Awards, and the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, among others. His ability to blend historical fact with fiction earned him a reputation as a master storyteller, and his works have been translated into over thirty languages, reaching a global audience.
Notable Works or Actions
Doctorow's literary career began with the publication of his first novel, "Welcome to Hard Times" in 1960, a Western that set the stage for his future explorations of American history. However, it was his 1975 novel, "Ragtime," that catapulted him to fame. "Ragtime" is a kaleidoscopic narrative that intertwines the lives of historical figures and fictional characters, capturing the essence of early 20th-century America. The novel was adapted into a successful film and a Tony Award-winning musical, further cementing its place in American culture.
Other notable works include "The Book of Daniel" (1971), a fictionalized account of the trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, and "Billy Bathgate" (1989), which explores the world of organized crime during the Great Depression. His later works, such as "The March" (2005), continued to explore historical themes with a focus on the Civil War.
Impact and Legacy
E. L. Doctorow's impact on literature is profound. His innovative approach to historical fiction has inspired countless writers and reshaped the genre. By blending real historical events with fictional narratives, Doctorow challenged readers to reconsider the past and its influence on the present. His works often delve into themes of power, justice, and the American identity, prompting readers to reflect on the complexities of history and human nature.
Doctorow's legacy extends beyond his novels. As a teacher and mentor, he influenced a generation of writers, sharing his insights and passion for storytelling. His contributions to literature have been recognized with numerous honorary degrees and awards, and his works continue to be studied and celebrated in academic circles.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
E. L. Doctorow is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the human condition and his ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and elegance. His quotes often reflect his deep understanding of history and society, offering timeless wisdom that resonates with readers across generations. Doctorow's exploration of themes such as power, morality, and identity in his writing has left a lasting impression, making his words relevant and thought-provoking.
In a world where history often repeats itself, Doctorow's works serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding the past to navigate the present and future. His ability to capture the essence of the American experience in his writing ensures that his voice will continue to be heard and quoted for years to come.
Quotes by E. L. Doctorow
My sense of what a book should be has changed so radically. I like to think for the better.
The important thing is not to be too comfortable when you're writing. Noise in the street? That's good. The computer goes down? That's good. All these things are good. It has to be a little bit of a struggle.
If we ever find out how the brain works, with all its complexity, then we will be able to build a machine that has consciousness. And if that happens, that is a road to planetary disaster because everything we've thought about ourselves, since the Bronze Age, the Bible, all of that will be gone.
I discovered Einstein said the same thing about his celebrated theories of relativity that writers say about their work when he said he didn't have any feelings of personal possession of these ideas. Once they were out there, they came from somewhere else. And that's exactly the feeling when you write. You don't feel possessive about it.
I get intrigued by a first lin and I write to find out why it means something to me. You make discoveries just the way the reader does, so you're simultaneously the writer and the reader.
I got married very early, and in no time at all, we had three children. And it seemed to me I had an obligation to support them.
My father was the proprietor of a music shop on Forty-third Street, where many of the finest performers and musicians of the day would come to shop. He knew the classical repertoire inside out.