Isaac Goldberg

Date of Birth: July 1, 1887

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: July 14, 1938

Biography

Isaac Goldberg was an American critic, biographer, translator, and editor, born in Boston, Massachusetts. Known for his incisive critiques and extensive literary knowledge, Goldberg made significant contributions to literature and journalism in the early 20th century. He studied at Harvard University, where he developed a keen interest in Romance languages and literature, which later influenced his work as a translator of Spanish and Portuguese literature. Over his career, Goldberg wrote numerous books, including biographies of prominent figures such as H.L. Mencken and George Gershwin. He also translated works by acclaimed authors like Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and Machado de Assis. Goldberg’s literary criticism often appeared in major publications, and he was known for his sharp, yet fair, assessments of contemporary works.

5 Interesting Facts about Isaac Goldberg

1. Isaac Goldberg was fluent in multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian.

2. He was a founding member of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.

3. Goldberg wrote the first comprehensive biography of H.L. Mencken, published in 1924.

4. He contributed to various notable publications such as “The American Mercury” and “The New York Times.”

5. Goldberg’s translation of Machado de Assis’s “Dom Casmurro” is still considered one of the best English translations of the work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Isaac Goldberg

1. “Literature is the art of discovering something extraordinary about ordinary people, and saying with ordinary words something extraordinary.”

2. “Criticism is the art of appraising the merits and demerits of a piece of work with fairness and insight.”

3. “To understand a writer, one must read not only his works but also those who influenced him.”

4. “Translation is not merely a linguistic task but an act of cultural interpretation.”

5. “A biographer’s duty is to present a life in its entirety, with all its complexities and contradictions.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Isaac Goldberg’s net worth was modest compared to contemporary standards, estimated at approximately $100,000, reflecting his earnings from his literary and translation works.

Children

Isaac Goldberg did not have any children. His legacy continues through his extensive body of work and contributions to literary criticism and translation.