Joseph Heller

Joseph Heller (1923-1999) was an American novelist and playwright. Born into poverty in Brooklyn, he served as a bombardier in Italy during World War II, an experience that profoundly influenced his writing. Heller's most famous novel, "Catch-22" (1961), is a black comedy satire that excoriates military bureaucracy and the absurdities of war. It has been translated into over 40 languages and is considered a literary classic. His other notable works include "Something Happened" (1974) and "God Knows" (1984). Heller received numerous awards, including the National Book Award for Fiction (1981) and the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction (1984). His work has been praised for its humor, satire, and insightful exploration of human nature. Despite his critical success, Heller remained a private person known for his modesty and humility.