Origins & Early Life

Joseph Heller (May 1, 1923 – December 12, 1999) was an American author of novels, short stories, plays, and screenplays. His best-known work is his debut novel Catch-22 (1961), a satire on war and bureaucracy, whose title has become a synonym for an absurd or contradictory choice. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature twice, in 1972 and 1975. Heller was born on May 1, 1923, in Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York City, the son of poor Jewish parents, Lena and Isaac Donald Heller from Russia.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

As a teenager, he wrote a story about the Soviet invasion of Finland and sent it to the New York Daily News, which rejected it. After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1941, Heller spent the next year working as a blacksmith's apprentice, a messenger boy, and a filing clerk. In 1942, at age 19, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. Two years later he was sent to the Italian Front, where he flew 60 combat missions as a B-25 bombardier.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His unit was the 488th Bombardment Squadron, 340th Bomb Group, 12th Air Force. Heller later remembered the war as "fun in the beginning ... You got the feeling that there was something glorious about it." On his return home he...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aaron Spelling — Contemporary (Born in 1923) (1923): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• André Gorz — Contemporary (Born in 1923) (1923): Austrian-French philosopher known for critiques of work and political ecology.
• Andrés Avelino Cáceres — Contemporary (Died in 1923) (1923): Peruvian general and politician, celebrated national hero for leading resistance.
• Akio Morita — Contemporary (Died in 1999) (1999): Visionary Japanese entrepreneur and co-founder of Sony.
• Ali Sayad Shirazi — Contemporary (Died in 1999) (1999): Key Iranian military commander during the Iran-Iraq War, assassinated in 1999.
• Anthony Newley — Contemporary (Died in 1999) (1999): Versatile English performer, celebrated for his songwriting and stage presence.
• Antonín Dvořák — Shared historical date (05-01 · Died) (1904): Master Czech composer blending folk rhythms with grand symphonic tradition.
• Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington — Shared historical date (05-01 · Born) (1769): British statesman and military genius, Duke of Wellington.
• Alexander I of Russia — Shared historical date (12-12 · Born) (1777): Emperor of Russia during the Napoleonic era, known for liberal reforms and military campaigns.
• Anne Baxter — Shared historical date (12-12 · Died) (1985): Acclaimed American actress known for her work in Hollywood and on Broadway.
• 1923 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1923
• May 1 (05-01) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 1
• 1999 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1999
• December 12 (12-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 12