The novelist and playwright E.L. Doctorow has died aged 84 in New York. He’d been suffering from lung cancer. In a 50-year career he published 10
ADVERTISEMENTThe novelist and playwright E.L. Doctorow has died aged 84 in New York. He’d been suffering from lung cancer.
In a 50-year career he published 10 novels including the critically acclaimed Ragtime and Billy Bathgate, along with a play and numerous essays.
He was known for works in which he placed fictional characters in recognisable historical contexts.
Honoring author E.L. Doctorow, who died today at 84 with my favorite quote. #writingpic.twitter.com/imGHe3SS4a
— Mark David Gerson (@MarkDavidGerson) July 22, 2015
Several of Doctorow’s novels including Ragtime and Billy Bathgate were turned into films. Ragtime was also made into a Broadway musical in 1998.
US President Barack Obama described him as “one of America’s greatest novelists”.
E.L. Doctorow was one of America's greatest novelists. His books taught me much, and he will be missed.
— President Obama (@POTUS) July 22, 2015