Bernard E Jones Bernard Edward Jones

Bernard Malamud was an American novelist and short story writer, recognized as one of the significant American Jewish authors of the 20th century. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Russian Jewish immigrants, his works often depicted the challenges and aspirations of immigrants in America. His literary career included teaching positions at various institutions, including Oregon State University and Bennington College.

Malamud's notable works include the baseball novel "The Natural" and "The Fixer," which explored antisemitism in the Russian Empire and earned him both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. His writing is characterized by its careful construction, exploring themes of rootlessness, infidelity, love, and sacrifice, often through allegorical narratives set in urban Jewish communities. He was also known for his short stories, which received critical acclaim for their depth and insight.

Bernard Malamud was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1914, the son of Russian Jewish immigrants who ran grocery stores. He experienced the Great Depression during his youth and graduated from Erasmus Hall High School. After receiving his BA from the City College of New York, he pursued a master's degree in English at Columbia University, completing his thesis on Thomas Hardy. Malamud worked as a substitute teacher before taking on a teaching role at Oregon State University in 1949, where he also dedicated significant time to his writing. He later moved to Bennington College to teach creative writing.

Malamud authored eight novels and four collections of short stories, known for his meticulous writing style. His first published novel was "The Natural" (1952), followed by "The Assistant" (1957), which drew on his own childhood experiences. His collection "The Magic Barrel" (1958) earned him his first National Book Award. "The Fixer" (1967) received both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for its examination of antisemitism. Malamud's stories often served as allegories, exploring themes of immigrant struggles, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships, earning him praise for his profound and honest portrayal of life.

Bernard Malamud was Jewish, identifying as an agnostic humanist. He married Ann De Chiara, an Italian American Roman Catholic, in 1945, despite parental opposition. They had two children, Paul and Janna. Malamud's writing frequently depicted the despair and hopes of immigrants navigating American society, focusing on themes of love as redemptive and sacrifice as uplifting. He passed away in 1986 in Manhattan.

“I have discovered a short-story writer who is better than any of them, including myself.”