George Jean Nathan

Date of Birth: February 14, 1882

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: April 8, 1958

Biography

George Jean Nathan was a prominent American drama critic and magazine editor, renowned for his sharp wit and astute observations on the theater. Born on February 14, 1882, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Nathan went on to become one of the most influential critics of his time. He graduated from Cornell University in 1904 and quickly moved into the world of literary and theater criticism. Nathan co-founded and edited several significant literary magazines, including “The Smart Set” with H.L. Mencken and later “The American Mercury.” Over his career, he wrote extensively on theater, contributing to the development of modern drama criticism. Nathan was known for his acerbic style, often blending humor with biting critique, which earned him both acclaim and controversy. He passed away on April 8, 1958, leaving behind a legacy as one of America’s foremost critics of drama and literature.

5 Interesting Facts about George Jean Nathan

1. George Jean Nathan was a co-founder of “The American Mercury,” a highly influential literary magazine.

2. He was a lifelong friend and collaborator of H.L. Mencken, with whom he edited “The Smart Set.”

3. Nathan wrote over 30 books on drama, literature, and criticism throughout his career.

4. He was known for his strong opinions and did not shy away from controversy, often sparking debates within the literary community.

5. Nathan’s criticism played a significant role in popularizing European playwrights such as Henrik Ibsen and Anton Chekhov in America.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Jean Nathan

1. “The test of a real comedian is whether you laugh at him before he opens his mouth.”

2. “Love demands infinitely less than friendship.”

3. “Bad officials are the ones elected by good citizens who do not vote.”

4. “I drink to make other people interesting.”

5. “The only honest art form is laughter, comedy. You can’t fake it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by George Jean Nathan is not well-documented, but his influence and contributions to literary and theater criticism were invaluable.