Algren, Nelson 1909–

An American novelist, short story writer, and editor, Algren creates a fictional world peopled with society's underdogs. The strength of his work lies in his impressionistic evocation of mood and scene, rather than in character or plot development. Algren is concerned with the lack of tradition in American letters and his work consistently reflects his search for a definitive vision of America. Two of his novels, The Man with the Golden Arm and A Walk on the Wild Side, have been made into films. (See also CLC, Vol. 4, and Contemporary Authors, Vols. 13-16, rev. ed.)