1987 in literature

See also: 1986 in literature, other events of 1987, 1988 in literature, list of years in literature.

Deaths

• February 2 - Alistair MacLean, British thriller writer, heart attack
• February 10 - William Rose, screenwriter
• February 22 - Andy Warhol, artist, director, writer
• March 4 - Maria Jolas, literary publisher
• April 4 - C. L. Moore, science fiction author
• September 25 - Emlyn Williams, dramatist
• September 30 - Alfred Bester, science fiction writer
• October 3 - Jean Anouilh, dramatist
• October 31 - Joseph Campbell, author and expert on mythology
• December 1 - James Baldwin, novelist
• December 17 - Marguerite Yourcenar, novelist