Norman Mailer

Norman Mailer was an acclaimed American author, journalist, and essayist. Born on January 31, 1923, in Long Beach, New Jersey, Mailer grew up in Brooklyn and attended the Harvard University. He is considered one of the pioneers of creative nonfiction, also known as the New Journalism, which combines the techniques of fiction writing with journalism. This genre uses literary styles and devices to create fact-based journalism that reads like a novel.

Mailer's writing career began in 1948 with the publication of his first novel, "The Naked and the Dead," which became a bestseller. He gained further recognition in 1959 with the publication of "Advertisements for Myself," a collection of his essays, stories, and letters. Mailer's work often explored controversial topics and reflected his cultural and political views. He was a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, earning his first in 1969 for "The Armies of the Night" and his second in 1980 for "The Executioner's Song." He also won the National Book Award in 1968 for "Armies of the Night."

In addition to his work as an author, Mailer was also a playwright, filmmaker, actor, and political activist. He co-founded The Village Voice, an arts- and politics-oriented weekly newspaper in Greenwich Village, in 1955. Mailer's cultural criticism and commentary were frequently expressed through his essays, journalism, novels, and media appearances. He passed away on November 10, 2007, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and innovative writers of the 20th century.