Philip Roth was an American novelist and short story writer, born on March 19, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey. He is best known for his exploration of Jewish identity and American life, often drawing from his own experiences. Some of his most famous works include Portnoy's Complaint, American Pastoral, and The Human Stain. Roth received numerous awards throughout his career, including the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Roth's writing is characterized by its psychological depth and often controversial themes, addressing topics such as sexuality, politics, and mortality. He was a prominent figure in 20th-century literature and is considered one of the greatest American writers of his time. Roth passed away on May 22, 2018, leaving behind a significant literary legacy.