Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Norman Mailer and Ira Levin

Two notable authors passed away this week.

Norman Mailer, whose work over the last 60 years was noted for being sensational, fascinating and disturbing, passed away on November 10. His first success was The Naked and the Dead (1948). Other works followed that explored the "underside of modern culture," treating corruption, murder, violence, capitol punishment, biographies of controversial or sensational people (Lee Harvey Oswald, Marilyn Monroe, Gary Gilmore.) Mailer received a Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction in 1969 for "The Armies of the Night" and for fiction in 1980 for "Executioner's Song".

Ira Levin, best known for his novel, Rosemary's Baby, passed away on November 12. He was also a songwriter and playwright, who wrote Broadway's longest-running Broadway comedy-thriller, "Deathtrap". Several of his novels became movies (Boys from Brazil, Stepford Wives), and his play "No Time For Sergeants", based on the book by Mac Hyman, launched Andy Griffith's acting career.

In our collection: Norman Mailer's books, Ira Levin's books

Read more about Norman Mailer in the Literature Resource Center and the Biography Resource Center (Library card number and PIN required.)

Read More about Ira Levin in the Literature Resource Center and the Biography Resource Center (Library card number and PIN required.)

No comments: