Nelson Algren

Nelson Algren was an American writer known for his influential novels and short stories about the lives of the urban poor. Born on March 28, 1909, in Detroit, Michigan, he is best known for his novel 'The Man with the Golden Arm,' which won the National Book Award in 1950 and was later adapted into a film. Algren's work is celebrated for its gritty realism and compassionate portrayal of marginalized characters. He passed away on May 9, 1981, in Long Island, New York.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Man with the Golden Arm

    "The Man with the Golden Arm" is a novel that tells the story of Frankie Machine, a talented card dealer and drummer in post-World War II Chicago who becomes addicted to morphine. The narrative vividly portrays his descent into addiction and his struggles with poverty and crime, while also exploring themes of despair, corruption, and redemption. The book is notable for its gritty depiction of life in the urban underbelly and its nuanced characterizations.