Saul Bellow was an eminent 20th century American-Jewish novelist who explored the human predicament and suffering of modern man. His novels examined how individuals were alienated and forced to live strange, tormenting lives in a merciless society during World Wars I and II. Bellow drew attention to the plight of the common man and sought to find meaning in life and identity. While acknowledging humanity's flaws, he also recognized people's inner humanity and optimism for the future. Bellow's novels won numerous awards, including the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Humboldt's Gift, before being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1976.