CHICAGO — The U.S. Postal Service unveiled a new stamp today, celebrating the legacy of Saul Bellow, one of the 20th century’s most revered authors. The stamp joins the Postal Service’s Literary Arts series as its 34th installment, paying tribute to Bellow’s profound influence on American literature.
Saul Bellow, a luminary in literary circles, is remembered for his deep exploration of the American identity through his vivid characterizations and narratives. His works are a tapestry of dreamers and intellectuals navigating the complexities of a materialistic society, often infused with a humorous critique of modern culture. Bellow’s unique ability to blend social criticism with comic relief made his novels immensely popular and cemented his status as a literary giant. He remains the only author to have won three National Book Awards, in addition to securing a Nobel Prize and a Pulitzer Prize, underscoring his unparalleled contributions to literature.
The newly issued stamp features a striking portrait of Bellow, set against the backdrop of a Chicago street scene, symbolizing the city’s significant influence on his writings. The portrait, adorned with a fedora, white turtleneck, and dark jacket, captures Bellow’s thoughtful demeanor. Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers and the “L” train in motion behind him further anchor the stamp in Bellow’s world. Designed by USPS art director Ethel Kessler and illustrated by Joe Ciardiello, the stamp’s imagery is based on photographs from 1982, with the artist employing neutral colors to highlight Bellow’s figure.
The stamp is marked “Three Ounce,” indicating its value for mailing items up to three ounces, and, like a Forever® stamp, it will maintain its value indefinitely.
Saul Bellow’s journey began in Lachine, Quebec, Canada, in 1915. His family moved to Chicago in 1925, where he immersed himself in the city’s rich immigrant Jewish community. Bellow’s passion for writing took him from Northwestern University to the Works Progress Administration, where he honed his craft before publishing his first short story in 1941. His early works, “Dangling Man” and “The Victim,” laid the groundwork for his breakthrough novel, “The Adventures of Augie March,” which won him his first National Book Award with its vibrant, comic vernacular and introspective narrative.
Bellow’s exploration of themes such as the immigrant experience, the search for meaning in a disorienting world, and the dichotomy between art and power remained central throughout his career. His later works, including “Herzog,” “Mr. Sammler’s Planet,” and “Humboldt’s Gift,” continued to receive critical acclaim, further establishing Bellow as a towering figure in American literature.
Beyond his literary achievements, Bellow was also a dedicated educator, teaching at several prestigious universities and influencing countless students and writers. His death on April 5, 2005, marked the end of a prolific career, but his legacy lives on, not only in his writings but now immortalized on a U.S. postage stamp, ensuring his contributions to American culture are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.