NEW YORK – E.L. Doctorow, the author of popular novels grounded in American history including "Ragtime" and "Billy Bathgate," died in New York on Tuesday at age 84, the New York Times reported.
The award-winning writer died of complications from lung cancer, the Times said, citing his son.
President Obama tweeted a short statement on Doctorow's death Tuesday night, writing "E.L. Doctorow was one of America's greatest novelists. His books taught me much, and he will be missed."
