Harold Bloom

American critic, scholar, and writer (1930–2019)

Harold Bloom was a prominent American literary critic, scholar, and writer who made significant contributions to the field of literature. Born in 1930, he held the esteemed position of Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale University. Throughout his career, Bloom established himself as a leading voice in literary criticism, earning recognition as "probably the most famous literary critic in the English-speaking world" by 2017.

Bloom's prolific writing career spanned multiple decades, during which he authored over 50 books, including more than 40 works of literary criticism, as well as books on religion and a novel. His first book was published in 1959, marking the beginning of a long and distinguished career. In addition to his own writing, Bloom edited numerous anthologies for the Chelsea House publishing firm, showcasing his expertise on various literary and philosophical figures. His works have been widely translated, appearing in more than 40 languages, and he was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1995, a testament to his scholarly achievements. Bloom passed away in 2019, leaving behind a legacy as a renowned literary critic and scholar.