Saul Bellow

NAME Saul Bellow

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Saul Bellow was famous for being a distinguished Canadian-American writer and novelist, known for his richly complex characters and exploration of contemporary urban life.

BIRTH Saul Bellow was born on June 10, 1915, in Lachine, Quebec, Canada.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Bellow was born to Russian Jewish immigrant parents. His father, Abraham Bellows, was a bootlegger, and his mother, Liza (Gordin) Bellows, was a teacher.  He had three elder siblings: Zelda (later Jane), Moishe (later Maurice), and Schmuel (later Samuel).The family later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Saul grew up.

CHILDHOOD Saul Bellow's childhood was marked by the struggles of immigrant life and the cultural blend of the Jewish community in early 20th century Chicago. He was influenced by Yiddish culture and immersed in the bustling urban environment.

His mother wanted him to become a rabbi or a violinist, but Saul decided to become a writer aged eight when he first read Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin.

EDUCATION He attended the University of Chicago, where he received his bachelor's degree in anthropology and sociology in 1937.

CAREER RECORD Bellow had a successful career as a writer, producing numerous novels and winning several prestigious literary awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, Nobel Prize in Literature, and National Book Award. Here's his resume:

Prolific novelist, publishing acclaimed works like "Henderson the Rain King," "Augie March," and "Herzog."

Briefly involved with the Works Progress Administration (WPA) Writers' Project.

Held teaching positions at various universities throughout his career.

APPEARANCE He was described as having a stocky build, dark hair, and intense eyes. Bellow had a thoughtful and slightly brooding appearance, with a distinctive profile. 

Saul Bellow Flicker

FASHION Bellow favored a classic and understated style, often seen in well-tailored suits.

CHARACTER He was known for being intellectual, introspective, and deeply curious about human nature and society.

Bellow always claimed his character Henderson, the rain king from, well, Henderson the Rain King, was the one most like him.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Bellow had a sharp wit and often infused his writing with dark humor and satire, particularly through his characterizations.

RELATIONSHIPS Saul Bellow's personal life was complex and marked by five marriages. His first wife was Anita Goshkin, whom he married in 1938. The couple had a son together before divorcing in 1943.  His second marriage, to Alexandra Dragoumis in 1944, also ended in divorce in 1953.  Bellow's third wife was Sacher-Masoch Jean Krasa, a marriage that lasted from 1956 to 1961.  His longest marriage was to Mary Ann Friedmann, from 1961 to 1985. They had a daughter together. His fifth and final marriage was to Janis Freedman in 1984, which lasted until his death.  

He had four children: his last wife, Jane, even gave him a surprise baby girl at the ripe old age of 84. Talk about defying expectations!

Despite the multiple marriages, Bellow's relationships were often strained, and he struggled to balance his personal life with his demanding writing career.

His many friends included the journalist Sydney J. Harris and the poet John Berryman. 

MONEY AND FAME Bellow achieved both financial success and critical acclaim during his career, becoming one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century. He remained critical of excessive materialism.

FOOD AND DRINK He enjoyed traditional Jewish foods and appreciated fine dining experiences.

MUSIC AND ARTS Bellow had an interest in classical music and modern art, which often influenced his writing.

LITERATURE Bellow was a master of American literature, known for his exploration of existential themes, Jewish identity, and the immigrant experience.

Saul Bellow wasn't exactly a sunshine-and-cocktails kind of guy. His first novel, Dangling Man (1944), was a real downer, all about a young fella stewing in anxiety while waiting to be drafted. Not exactly poolside reading.

But hey, even gloomy gusses gotta lighten up sometimes. In 1948, a fancy grant called a Guggenheim Fellowship whisked Bellow off to Paris. There, amidst the baguettes and berets, he started work on his masterpiece, The Adventures of Augie March (1953). It's a sprawling, funny, sometimes confusing tale of a Jewish kid in Chicago trying to figure out who he is. Think picaresque road trip, but with a lot more pastrami on rye.

Bellow's writing was like a runaway train, careening all over the place but somehow staying on the tracks. It landed him a Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for Humboldt's Gift, and just for good measure, he snagged the Nobel Prize in Literature three months later. France even threw in a Legion of Honor medal, probably because they were impressed by his ability to churn out award-winning novels.

NATURE Although primarily an urban writer, Bellow often explored themes of nature and the human condition in relation to the natural world.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS He had a passion for reading, traveling, and engaging in intellectual conversations.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Bellow had a fascination with science and often incorporated scientific and mathematical concepts into his works.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Bellow was interested in existential philosophy and his writing grappled with philosophical questions about existence, meaning, and the human condition. He explored themes of faith and doubt within a Jewish context.

SCANDAL Bellow was not associated with any major scandals.

MILITARY RECORD He served briefly in the Merchant Marine during World War II. During his service Bellow completed his first novel, Dangling Man (1944) about a young Chicago man waiting to be drafted for the war.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Bellow struggled with health issues later in life but remained intellectually active.

HOMES Bellow wasn't someone who settled in one place for too long. Throughout his life, he resided in various locations. Chicago, where he was raised, remained a constant influence.  He also lived on the East Coast of the United States for extended periods.

TRAVEL Bellow was a well-traveled man.  His journeys were often fueled by research needs for his writing or academic appointments.

As a young man, Bellow traveled to Mexico City to meet Leon Trotsky, but the expatriate Russian revolutionary was assassinated the day before they were to meet.

DEATH Saul Bellow passed away on April 5, 2005, in Brookline, Massachusetts, at the age of 89.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Bellow wasn't known for actively seeking the spotlight. He preferred to let his work speak for itself. Public appearances were not a common occurrence for him.

Bellow's works have been adapted into films and continue to be studied and celebrated in academic and literary circles.

ACHIEVEMENTS Saul Bellow's literary achievements are substantial. Here's a breakdown of some of his most prestigious accolades:

Nobel Prize in Literature (1976) - The pinnacle of recognition for his exceptional contribution to literature.

Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (Herzog, 1965) - Awarded for a singular work demonstrating mastery of the craft.

Three National Book Awards for Fiction - Highlighting the excellence of multiple works:

The Adventures of Augie March (1953)

Henderson the Rain King(1959)

Mr. Sammler's Planet (1970)

National Medal of Arts (1990) - Bestowed upon those who have made significant contributions to the arts in America.