John Mason Brown

Date of Birth: July 3, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: March 16, 1969

Biography

John Mason Brown was an esteemed American drama critic and author, known for his insightful and eloquent critiques of theater and the performing arts. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Brown developed an early passion for literature and the arts, which he later translated into a prolific career in journalism and criticism. He graduated from Harvard University in 1923, where he honed his writing and analytical skills. Brown began his professional journey as a theater critic for the New York Evening Post and eventually joined The Saturday Review, where his articulate and thoughtful reviews garnered him widespread acclaim. Throughout his career, he published several books, including collections of his essays and critiques, which remain valuable resources for understanding 20th-century American theater. Brown also served as an associate editor for the Encyclopædia Britannica, contributing his expertise to the world of reference literature.

5 Interesting Facts about John Mason Brown

1. John Mason Brown was a prolific author, having written numerous books on theater and criticism, including “Accustomed as I Am” and “Seeing More Things.”

2. He was a decorated World War II veteran, serving as a lieutenant in the United States Navy and participating in the Normandy invasion.

3. Brown was a frequent lecturer and guest speaker, known for his engaging and erudite presentations on the arts.

4. He was awarded the George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism in 1944, recognizing his significant contributions to the field.

5. Brown was an influential member of the literary community, serving on the board of directors for the Authors League of America.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Mason Brown

1. “The critic’s duty is to reflect the mood, the tone, and the meaning of what he sees, not to reshape them to fit his own preconceptions.”

2. “A critic is a bundle of biases held loosely together by a sense of taste.”

3. “The only true voyage of discovery is not to visit strange lands but to possess other eyes.”

4. “The theater is a great equalizer: it is the only place where the rich and the poor, the high and the low, can meet on equal terms.”

5. “To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it’s about, but the inner music that words make.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Mason Brown’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his successful career as a critic, author, and editor suggests he enjoyed a comfortable and respected position in the literary world.