E. L. Doctorow was an American author known for his historical fiction that blends real events with imaginative storytelling. Born on January 6, 1931, in the Bronx, New York, he gained prominence with novels such as Ragtime, which explores early 20th-century America through the lives of fictional and historical characters. Doctorow's writing often reflects social and political themes, earning him critical acclaim and several prestigious awards, including the National Book Award and the PEN/Saul Bellow Award. He was also a professor and taught creative writing at various institutions, influencing many aspiring writers throughout his career.