E.L. Doctorow, a veteran fictional author beloved for such works as “Ragtime” and “The March,” died Tuesday at a New York hospital from lung cancer complications.
He was 84 years old.
Doctorow won The National Book Award for fiction in 1986 for “World’s Fair” and the National Book Critics Circle award in 1989 for "Billy Bathgate" and in 2005 for "The March."
He is considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.
Along with a collect of 10 novels, Doctorow published two books of short stories, a play titled "Drinks Before Dinner" and endless essays and articles.
Doctorow graduated from Kenyon College and also served in the U.S. Army; he was stationed in Germany.
Wrote President Barack Obama upon learning of Doctorow’s passing:
"E.L. Doctorow was one of America’s greatest novelists. His books taught me much, and he will be missed."