EL Doctorow, critically acclaimed author of the novels Ragtime and Billy Bathgate, has died aged 84 in a New York hospital, according to his son.

Richard Doctorow said his father died of complications from lung cancer.

He was known for works which re-imagine the American experience, placing fictional characters in recognisable historical contexts.

US President Barack Obama paid tribute to him as "one of America's greatest novelists".

The president tweeted: "his books taught me much, and he will be missed.''

In a 50-year career, Doctorow published 10 novels, a stage drama, two books of short fiction and numerous essays.

RIP

http://www.chuzzyblog.com/2015/07/us-novelist-el-doctorow-dies-at-84.html