Joseph Heller ​

Joseph Heller was an American author of novels, short stories, plays, and screenplays. His best-known work is the novel Catch-22, a satirical novel about American servicemen during World War II. The phrase "Catch-22" has since entered the English language, referring to a type of unsolvable logic puzzle.

Quick Facts ​

• His novel "Catch-22" has become a standard term in the English language.
• Wrote novels, short stories, plays and screenplays.
• His work often contained strong satirical undertones.
• Served as a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
• His works have sold millions worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages.

Background ​

Heller was born in 1923 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of poor Jewish parents from Russia. He served as a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. After the war, he went to college under the G.I. Bill, graduating from college in 1948 and earning a master's in English from Columbia University in 1949. After graduating, he spent a year as a Fulbright scholar in England at Oxford University. He then began working as an advertising copywriter. His best-known work, Catch-22, was published in 1961 and has since become a classic. In addition to his novels, he also wrote plays and screenplays. He died in 1999.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Heller's works are known for their satirical and often dark humor. His distinct writing style employs paradoxes, non-linear narrative, and a fragmented, circular plot structure. Heller's most famous work, "Catch-22", introduced a new perspective on war and authority, and the term "catch-22" has since entered the English language, signifying a no-win situation. His works have had a significant influence on the post-World War II era of literature.

Notable Works ​

• Catch-22 (1961)
• Something Happened (1974)
• Good as Gold (1979)
• God Knows (1984)
• Picture This (1988)