Bernard Malamud

Date of Birth: April 26, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: March 18, 1986

Biography

Bernard Malamud was an influential American novelist and short story writer, renowned for his profound contributions to post-World War II American literature. Born to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents, he grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he was exposed to the rich cultural tapestry and the struggles of the immigrant experience, themes that often permeated his work. Malamud attended Erasmus Hall High School and later graduated from the City College of New York in 1936. He earned his master’s degree from Columbia University in 1942. Malamud’s literary career began with the publication of his first novel, “The Natural” (1952), which was later adapted into a successful film starring Robert Redford. He gained widespread acclaim with “The Assistant” (1957), a poignant story about redemption and moral dilemmas, which is considered one of his finest works. His 1966 novel, “The Fixer,” which deals with anti-Semitism in Tsarist Russia, won both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Throughout his career, Malamud wrote eight novels and numerous short stories, many of which were collected in volumes such as “The Magic Barrel” (1958) and “Idiots First” (1963). His writing often delved into the complexities of human nature, the burdens of suffering, and the possibilities of human kindness and resilience. Malamud taught creative writing at Oregon State University from 1949 to 1961 and later at Bennington College. He continued to write and influence generations of writers until his death in 1986.

5 Interesting Facts about Bernard Malamud

1. Bernard Malamud’s novel “The Fixer” won both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1967.

2. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

3. Malamud’s first novel, “The Natural,” is considered one of the greatest baseball novels ever written.

4. He taught creative writing at Oregon State University for over a decade.

5. His parents were Russian Jewish immigrants, a background that deeply influenced his literary themes.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bernard Malamud

1. “We have two lives—the one we learn with and the life we live after that. Suffering brings us towards happiness.”

2. “Without heroes, we are all plain people, and don’t know how far we can go.”

3. “The purpose of freedom is to create it for others.”

4. “Life is a tragedy full of joy.”

5. “I work with language. I love the flowers of afterthought.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Bernard Malamud’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1 million during his lifetime, primarily from his successful novels and teaching career.

Children

Bernard Malamud had two children with his wife, Ann De Chiara Malamud: Paul Malamud and Janna Malamud Smith. Janna Malamud Smith is an accomplished author and psychotherapist.