Don DeLillo was born in New York City on November 20, 1936. He received a bachelors degree in communication arts from Fordham University in 1958. His novels address late 20th and early 21st century themes such as the paranoia, alienation, and angst engendered by life in modern society. He is a master of language, wit, and the truths of mans search for meaning as he explores various subcultures such as football, rock music, and technology. His works include Americana, Running Dog, White Noise, and Libra. He also writes short stories and plays. He has received numerous honors including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1979, an American Academy Award in 1984, and the American Book Award in 1985.