Alfred Kazin

Date of Birth: June 5, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: June 5, 1998

Biography

Alfred Kazin was an influential American literary critic and writer born on June 5, 1915, in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, and his upbringing in a working-class neighborhood profoundly influenced his perspectives and literary voice. Kazin attended the City College of New York, where he graduated with a degree in English in 1935. Kazin’s career as a critic began with his landmark book “On Native Grounds” (1942), a sweeping analysis of American literature from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. The book established him as a significant voice in the literary world. Over the years, Kazin contributed essays and reviews to numerous prestigious publications, including The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, and Harper’s Magazine. Throughout his career, Kazin wrote extensively on a variety of subjects, from the works of individual authors like Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson to broader cultural and social issues. His other notable works include “A Walker in the City” (1951), “Starting Out in the Thirties” (1965), and “New York Jew” (1978), which are part of his autobiographical trilogy. Kazin was not only a critic but also a teacher. He held academic positions at several institutions, including Harvard University, Smith College, and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. His insights and sharp analyses made him a respected figure in both academic and literary circles. Kazin passed away on June 5, 1998, in New York City, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the 20th century’s foremost literary critics.

5 Interesting Facts about Alfred Kazin

1. Alfred Kazin’s first book, “On Native Grounds,” was published when he was just 27 years old.

2. He was a prominent member of the New York intellectual community and was associated with figures like Lionel Trilling and Irving Howe.

3. Kazin’s memoir “A Walker in the City” is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of his childhood in Brooklyn.

4. He received numerous awards during his career, including the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award of Merit for Criticism.

5. Kazin’s papers and manuscripts are housed at the New York Public Library, offering a treasure trove for scholars and literary enthusiasts.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alfred Kazin

1. “To write is to inform against others.”

2. “The more powerful the obstacles in the way of a writer, the more imperative it is that he or she write.”

3. “One writes to make a home for oneself, on paper, in time and in others’ minds.”

4. “In a very real sense, the writer writes in order to teach himself, to understand himself, to satisfy himself; the publishing of his ideas, though it brings him the pleasure of recognition, is a curious anticlimax.”

5. “The great works of literature are not written, they are rewritten.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The exact net worth of Alfred Kazin during his lifetime is not publicly documented. However, his significant contributions to literature and his positions at prestigious institutions suggest he was well-regarded and financially stable within his field.

Children

Alfred Kazin had one son, Michael Kazin, who is a notable historian and professor at Georgetown University. Michael Kazin is also an accomplished author and editor, continuing the intellectual legacy of his father.