E. L. Doctorow Edgar Lawrence `` E. L. '' Doctorow ( January 6 , 1931 -- July 21 , 2015 ) was an American author , editor , and professor , best known internationally for his works of historical fiction .
E. L. Doctorow Edgar Lawrence `` E. L. '' Doctorow ( January 6 , 1931 -- July 21 , 2015 ) was an American author . He was best known for his works of historical fiction .