James Baldwin

Full Name: James Arthur Baldwin
Profession: Novelist and Playwright

Biography: James Baldwin was an American writer acclaimed for his work alike whether in essays, novels, plays, or poems. He is perhaps best known for his first novel Go Tell It on the Mountain (1953) and his first collection of essays, titled Notes of a Native Son (1955).

His work is known for its treatment of social and psychological dynamics, most notably in the intricacies of masculinity, sexuality, race, and class. Baldwin's protagonists tend to face obstacles to their self-actualization in a society which is hostile to them, often due to their race or sexuality.

Even after his death, an unfinished manuscript titled Remember This House was adapted into a documentary titled I Am Not Your Negro (2016) which won critical acclaim, including a nomination for Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Born: August 2, 1924
Birthplace: Harlem, New York, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Leo

Died: December 1, 1987 (aged 63)
Cause of Death: Esophageal cancer