Ralph Ellison

Ralph Ellison was an American writer known for his novel Invisible Man, which won the National Book Award in 1953.

Novelist

March 1, 1914

Pisces

April 16, 1994

80

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Ralph Ellison (1913-1994) was a renowned American author, literary critic, and scholar, most famous for his novel “Invisible Man.” This acclaimed work, which delves into the social and intellectual challenges confronted by African Americans in the early 20th century, earned him the National Book Award in 1953. Ellison’s other significant contributions to literature include “Shadow and Act” (1964), a compilation of political, social, and critical essays, and “Going to the Territory” (1986). As one of America’s literary giants, Ellison’s influence on American literature was profound, and he received numerous accolades and distinctions throughout his career.