Visited Wilson in October 1969 to participate in a series of lectures for the Centennial Celebration

Although Joseph Heller composed more than 20 works, he is best known for his novel Catch-22, the title of which has become a well-known term in modern English to describe a paradox or dilemma. Heller continued to write novels, screenplays, and autobiographies throughout his life, often returning with more stories about the beloved main character of his famous novel, Captain Youssarian.

Heller received his M.A. from Columbia University in 1949, and followed this achievement by spending a year as a Fulbright Scholar at Oxford University. 

Many of his works are satirical anti-war pieces; Heller's attitudes toward war likely stem from his experiences as a bombardier with the U.S. Air Force in Europe during World War II. During his time serving, he flew 60 combat missions. His past led to his so-called “protest literature” in 1961, and Catch-22 became one of the most popular post-war satires at the time. 

The rights to his novel were purchased in 1962, and by 1970, a feature film based on Catch-22 had been released. This movie, followed shortly by his second novel, came out seven months after Heller’s visit to Wilson College.

When Heller came to Wilson, he presented students with two lectures: “Catch-22 Readings and Comments” and “Experiences as a Writer and Human Being.” Both were held in Laird Hall in the evening, and students, faculty, and the public were welcome to attend. He spoke of his time spent in the Air Force, his strategy for writing, and the art of creating protest literature. 

“Writing a novel or play is not the best way to protest,” Heller said, “it takes too damned long.” But certainly through the success of his novel he added to the ongoing conversation about war.

The images to the left show Joseph Heller eating lunch and chatting with Wilson students and faculty.

Sources:
Billboard Volume 51 No. 6 October 17, 1969

Billboard Volume 51 No. 7 October 24, 1969

Billboard Volume 51 No. 8 October 31, 1969

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Heller