The 86-year-old crime writer is a recent receipient of the National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguised Contributions to American Letters. Leonard has published 45 novels, nearly half of which have been on the NYT’s best seller list. His books and short stories have been turned in movies, TV movies and three TV series. The FX show “Justified” features one of Leonard’s best known characters, US marshall Raylan Givens.
Leonard is in good company. Others who have won this prestigious award are Norman Mailer, Toni Morrison, Phil Roth, and John Updike.
The Foundation is also awarding the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community to NYT Chairman and Publisher Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr.