Philip Roth was an American novelist known for his candid and provocative explorations of Jewish-American identity and masculinity. Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1933, Roth rose to prominence with novels like "Goodbye, Columbus" and "Portnoy's Complaint." Throughout his prolific career, he won numerous accolades, including two National Book Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for his novel "American Pastoral." Roth's work often delved into themes of personal and cultural history, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships. He passed away in 2018, leaving behind a rich literary legacy.