Newark Celebrating Author Philip Roth's 80th Birthday

Philip Roth, the renowned Newark-bred writer whose works often use the city as a backdrop, celebrates his 80th birthday Tuesday, a milestone his hometown is commemorating with a number of events.

Among these is a $35 bus tour, “Philip Roth’s Newark,” hosted by the Newark Preservation and Landmarks Committee, which will travel past locales including spots in Weequahic, where Roth grew up when the area was a Jewish enclave. Speakers will read from his works at each of the stops.

A spot on the tour must be reserved in advance. For tickets, email Obrother197@aol.com. 

Also on Tuesday, the Newark Public Library debuts “Philip Roth: An Exhibit from Photos of a Lifetime,” which runs through Aug. 31. The exhibit features about 100 photographs from the celebrated author’s life.

Roth will be spending part of his birthday at The Newark Museum, where he will attending an invitation-only party. And today and tomorrow, The Philip Roth Society will present “Roth@80,” a conference for society members at the Robert Treat Hotel.