Ragtime’ author E.L. Doctorow dies at age 84 -N.Y. Times

(Reuters) – E.L. Doctorow, the author of popular novels grounded in American history including “Ragtime” and “Billy Bathgate,” died in New York yesterday at age 84, the New York Times reported.

E.L. Doctorow
E.L. Doctorow

The award-winning writer died of complications from lung cancer, the Times said, citing his son.