Emil Ludwig

Date of Birth: January 25, 1881

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: September 17, 1948

Biography

Emil Ludwig was a prolific German-Swiss author, born on January 25, 1881, in Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland). He is best known for his biographies of historical figures, which are characterized by their dramatic and novelistic style. Ludwig initially pursued a career in law but soon shifted to writing and journalism. His literary career took off with the publication of his biography of Goethe in 1920. Over the years, Ludwig wrote biographies of significant personalities such as Napoleon, Bismarck, and Jesus Christ, among others. His works were widely read and translated, making him a prominent figure in early 20th-century literature. Ludwig’s approach to biography was unique; he believed in exploring the psychological and emotional aspects of his subjects, thus providing readers with a more intimate understanding of their lives. He passed away on September 17, 1948, in Moscia, Switzerland.

5 Interesting Facts about Emil Ludwig

1. Emil Ludwig’s real name was Emil Cohn; he adopted the name Ludwig as a pen name.

2. He was a staunch pacifist and his works often reflected his anti-war sentiments.

3. Ludwig interviewed Benito Mussolini in 1929, and the interview was later published as a book, giving insights into the Italian dictator’s mind.

4. During World War II, Ludwig emigrated to the United States where he continued his writing career.

5. He was a significant figure in the PEN International, an organization that promotes literature and freedom of expression.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Emil Ludwig

1. “The decision to speak out is the vocation and lifelong peril by which the intellectual must live.”

2. “The genius of a great leader is to leave behind him a situation which common sense, without the grace of genius, can deal with successfully.”

3. “A man of action is one who triumphs over his desires, and a man of desire is one who is defeated by his actions.”

4. “Biographies are the stepping stones to history, they are the history of human beings.”

5. “A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats little men.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures are not available, Emil Ludwig was a successful author whose books were widely sold and translated, contributing to a considerable fortune by the standards of his time.

Children

Emil Ludwig had two children, a son named Stephan and a daughter named Helen. Both were known to have followed in their father’s intellectual footsteps, contributing to literature and the arts.