Russell Lynes

Date of Birth: December 2, 1910

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: September 14, 1991

Biography

Russell Lynes was a distinguished American art historian, photographer, author, and managing editor of Harper’s Magazine. Born and raised in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Lynes became one of the most influential cultural critics of the mid-20th century. He graduated from Yale University, where he developed a keen interest in arts and literature. Lynes’ work often explored the complexities of American cultural and social life, blending wit with insightful observations. His writings include several books, among them “The Tastemakers,” which delves into the evolution of American taste and style. Lynes was known for his articulate commentary on various subjects, including architecture, social customs, and the art world.

5 Interesting Facts about Russell Lynes

1. Russell Lynes was the brother of George Platt Lynes, a renowned photographer.

2. He served as managing editor of Harper’s Magazine from 1947 to 1967.

3. Lynes’ book “The Tastemakers” was instrumental in shaping public understanding of American taste and aesthetics.

4. He was an accomplished photographer, capturing many significant cultural moments of his time.

5. Lynes was also a frequent lecturer and appeared on numerous television programs to discuss art and culture.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Russell Lynes

1. “Every journalist has a novel in him, which is an excellent place for it.”

2. “Cynicism is the intellectual cripple’s substitute for intelligence.”

3. “The true snob never rests: there is always a higher goal to attain, and there are, by the same token, always more and more people to look down upon.”

4. “The art of acceptance is the art of making someone who has just done you a small favor wish that he might have done you a greater one.”

5. “The only gracious way to accept an insult is to ignore it; if you can’t ignore it, top it; if you can’t top it, laugh at it; if you can’t laugh at it, it’s probably deserved.”