Saul Bellow

Saul Bellow

Saul Bellow (Solomon Bellows) was born on June 10th, 1915. Saul passed away April 5th, 2005 at 89 years old. Saul Bellow was born in Lachine, Quebec, Canada. Bellow attended Northwestern University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in anthropology and sociology. He also attended the University of Chicago and the University of Wisconsin.

Saul Bellow was an acclaimed American author who won several prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, and National Medal of Arts. He is notable for being the only author to win the National Book Award for Fiction three times and received the Distinguished Contribution to American Letters award from the National Book Foundation in 1990.

Some of Bellow’s most notable works include Henderson the Rain King, The Adventures of Augie March, Humboldt's Gift, Mr. Sammler's Planet, Herzog, and Ravelstein. Bellow himself admitted that the main character in Henderson the Rain King was the most similar to him. He spent his childhood as an immigrant in Quebec, and his literary works often reflect his ambitions to rise above challenging circumstances and mental struggles, as noted by author Christopher Hitchens.

Bellow’s 1996 novel, Henderson the Rain King, tells a story familiar to many: a troubled foreigner travels to Africa to “find himself.” However, this narrative takes a unique twist; the protagonist is not merely a little lost but a deeply troubled man. Though he has good intentions at times, he is also selfish, a drunkard, and prone to violence. Desperate to improve himself but unable to do so, he decides to abandon the tourist version of Africa in search of its true essence and to heal his wounds. However, when he and his guide reach a remote village and meet a local prince, he is disheartened to learn that the prince speaks English and apologetically states, "We are discovered."

From that point, the story evolves into a clever parody of the notion of self-discovery in a foreign land. Henderson attempts to rectify what he perceives as the locals' “foolish superstitions,” but his efforts only complicate matters. He encounters a new superstition that reveals itself as a means for a select few to maintain control, earning him the nickname "Rain King" among the villagers. The narrative takes another unexpected turn when Henderson studies biology, psychology, and philosophy, guided by the almost-doctor King.

Saul Bellow crafts a fast-paced narrative filled with deeply flawed characters. Rather than resorting to over-the-top exaggerations, he skillfully manipulates and distorts expectations. This novel is highly recommended for those interested in themes of self-discovery in a foreign land and is regarded as one of the best books in recent years.

Another remarkable work by Bellow is The Adventures of Augie March, often hailed as one of the best books of our time. Bellow has created characters that feel genuinely real; he not only describes their appearances but also delves into their thoughts and emotions. His understanding of human nature is truly impressive.

Meet Augie, a man in search of meaning in life. Raised in the impoverished areas of Chicago, he struggles to make ends meet each day. However, he gradually realizes that true happiness comes from following one's purpose rather than pursuing material wealth or social status. His journey reveals to readers how the quest for wealth can often obscure deeper unhappiness, while real fulfillment emerges from what truly matters to you.

If life is about finding meaning, then Augie exemplifies this search. This is the kind of novel you don’t want to end. Fortunately, there are more works like this written by Saul Bellow.

Saul Bellow: Awards & Accolades

Saul Bellow has won multiple awards including: The St. Louis Literary Award, Distinguished Figure in Literature, in 1986 and the Helmerich Award, Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award, in 1989. Saul Bellow was also nominated for the International Booker Prize, Outstanding Achievement in Fiction, in 2005.

Bellow's books have also won multiple awards, Herzog won the National Book Awards, Best Fiction, in 1965. Mr. Sammler's Planet won the National Book Awards, Best Fiction, in 1971.

Saul Bellow books have also been nominated for multiple awards, Humboldt's Gift was nominated for the National Book Awards, Best Fiction, in 1976. The Dean's December was nominated for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Best Fiction, in 1982. Him With His Foot in His Mouth was nominated for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Best Fiction, in 1984.

Saul Bellow: Lists & Other Mentions

• Herzog has made several lists including:
  1. New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 1964 and 1965.
  2. Ex Libris: 100 Books to Read and Reread Selection in 2020.
  3. The Guardian: 100 Greatest Novels of All Time Selection in 2003.
  4. Time Magazine: All-Time 100 Novels Selection in 2005.
  5. Publishers Weekly: Bestselling Novel in the United States in 1964 and 1965.
  6. Entertainment Weekly: Top 100 Novels Selection in 2013.
• The Adventures of Augie March has made several lists including:
  1. Modern Library: 100 Best Novels of the 20th Century: Board's List Selection in 1998.
  2. The Guardian: 100 Best Novels Written in English Selection in 2015.
  3. Ex Libris: 100 Books to Read and Reread Selection in 2020.
  4. The Guardian: 100 Greatest Novels of All Time Selection in 2015.
  5. New York Public Library: 125 Books We Love for Adults Selection in 2020.
  6. Time Magazine: All-Time 100 Novels Selection in 2005.
  7. Literary Hub: Quintessential American Fiction, According to the Rest of the World Selection in 2015.
  8. Esquire: The 80 Books Every Man Should Read Selection in 2015.
• Henderson the Rain King was a Modern Library: 100 Best Novels of the 20th Century: Board's List Selection in 1998 and a National Book Foundation: 100 Life-Changing Books Selection in 2006.
• The Actual was an Ex Libris: 100 Books to Read and Reread Selection in 2020.
• Humboldt's Gift has made several lists including:
  1. Publishers Weekly: Bestselling Novel in the United States in 1975.
  2. Literary Hub: Quintessential American Fiction, According to the Rest of the World Selection in 2015.
  3. Ninety-Nine Novels: The Best in English since 1939 Selection in 1984.
• The Dean's December was a The Independent: Books of the Decade (1980s) Selection in 1989.
• The Victim was a Ninety-Nine Novels: The Best in English since 1939 Selection in 1984.

Related Authors

Fans of Saul Bellow also enjoy these authors:

1. Ernest Hemingway, author of: The Old Man and the Sea.
2. John Steinbeck, author of: Of Mice and Men.
3. F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of: The Great Gatsby.
4. George Orwell, author of: 1984.
5. Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.

Saul Bellow: F.A.Q