Bellow considered himself a historian of American identity, populating his books with dreamers and intellectuals searching for meaning in a materialistic, sometimes disorienting world. The subtle analysis of modern culture and immigrant experience woven through Bellow’s writings combined fierce social criticism with a comic gusto that drew in readers.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest authors of the 20th century, Bellow was the recipient of a record three National Book Awards, a Nobel Prize and a Pulitzer Prize.

The stamp features a portrait of the author with a Chicago street scene in the background. He wears a fedora, white turtleneck and dark jacket. Behind him are skyscrapers, with the “L” train running between the buildings. The title “Saul Bellow” is in dark purple letters in the upper-right corner, with “Three Ounce” and “USA” appearing vertically along the left side.

Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp, with original art by illustrator Joe Ciardiello based on photographs from 1982. To keep the writer’s image as the focal point, the artist painted much of the background in neutral colors using a pale-yellow wash and some brownish-grays and a bit of purple.

The words “THREE OUNCE” on this stamp indicate its usage value, meaning that it may be used on a mail piece weighing three ounces. Like a Forever® stamp, it will always be valid for the rate printed on it.