Charles Angoff Quotes
Charles Angoff (1902-1979) was an American author, editor, and literary critic. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended Columbia University. Angoff is best known for his work as an editor for the literary magazine The American Mercury, where he worked closely with its founder, H.L. Mencken.An…Read More
Charles Angoff (1902-1979) was an American author, editor, and literary critic. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended Columbia University. Angoff is best known for his work as an editor for the literary magazine The American Mercury, where he worked closely with its founder, H.L. Mencken.Angoff was a prolific writer, publishing numerous articles, essays, and reviews in various publications. He also wrote several books, including “Mark Twain: The Man and His Work” (1931), “The Unseen Assassins” (1932), and “The Literary Apprenticeship of Mark Twain” (1950).In addition to his writing, Angoff was a passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was a vocal critic of racism and discrimination, and his work often reflected these themes.Overall, Charles Angoff was a highly respected figure in the literary world, known for his sharp wit, insightful commentary, and dedication to promoting progressive ideas. His contributions to American literature and journalism continue to be celebrated and studied today.Read Less
Charles Angoff (1902-1979) was an American author, editor, and literary critic. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended Columbia University. Angoff is best known for his work as an editor for the literary magazine The American Mercury, where he worked closely with its founder, H.L. Mencken.Angoff was a prolific writer, publishing numerous articles, essays, and reviews in various publications. He also wrote several books, including “Mark Twain: The Man and His Work” (1931), “The Unseen Assassins” (1932), and “The Literary Apprenticeship of Mark Twain” (1950).In addition to his writing, Angoff was a passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was a vocal critic of racism and discrimination, and his work often reflected these themes.Overall, Charles Angoff was a highly respected figure in the literary world, known for his sharp wit, insightful commentary, and dedication to promoting progressive ideas. His contributions to American literature and journalism continue to be celebrated and studied today.
Charles Angoff Career Highlights
- Early Career: Angoff’s passion for writing and literature was evident from a young age. He started his career as a journalist, working for various newspapers and magazines, including the New York Evening Post and The Nation.
- Founding Editor of The American Mercury: In 1924, Angoff became the founding editor of The American Mercury, a literary magazine that published works by renowned writers such as H.L. Mencken, Sinclair Lewis, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Under Angoff’s leadership, the magazine gained popularity and became a platform for emerging writers to showcase their work.
- Literary Criticism: Angoff was known for his sharp and insightful literary criticism. He wrote reviews and essays for various publications, including The New York Times, The New Republic, and The Saturday Review. His critical analysis of works by prominent writers such as Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and John Steinbeck earned him a reputation as a respected literary critic.
- Editor at Houghton Mifflin: In 1936, Angoff joined Houghton Mifflin, a prominent publishing house, as an editor. He worked there for over 30 years, during which he edited and published works by renowned authors such as Robert Frost, E.E. Cummings, and James Agee.
- Author: Angoff was also a prolific writer, with several books to his name. His most notable works include “The Unemployed,” a novel based on his experiences during the Great Depression, and “The Literary Apprenticeship of Mark Twain,” a biography of the famous American writer.
Key Contributions by Charles Angoff
- Promoting Emerging Writers: Angoff’s work as the editor of The American Mercury and his role at Houghton Mifflin gave him the opportunity to discover and promote emerging writers. He played a crucial role in launching the careers of many writers who went on to become literary giants.
- Literary Criticism: Angoff’s critical analysis of literature was highly regarded by his peers and the literary community. His reviews and essays provided valuable insights into the works of prominent writers and helped shape the literary landscape of his time.
- Mentorship: Angoff was known for his generosity and willingness to help young writers. He mentored many aspiring writers and provided them with guidance and support to improve their craft.
What Sets Charles Angoff Apart
- Versatility: Angoff’s career was marked by his versatility as a writer, editor, and literary critic. He excelled in each of these roles and left a lasting impact in all of them.
- Passion for Literature: Angoff’s love for literature was evident in everything he did. He dedicated his life to promoting and analyzing literature, and his passion for the written word was contagious.
- Commitment to Social Justice: Angoff’s writing often reflected his commitment to social justice. He used his platform to shed light on issues such as poverty, unemployment, and racial inequality, making him a socially conscious writer and editor.
Takeaways
- The Power of Mentorship: Angoff’s mentorship of young writers highlights the importance of experienced individuals guiding and supporting the next generation of writers.
- The Impact of Literary Criticism: Angoff’s critical analysis of literature shows the significant influence that literary critics have on shaping the literary landscape.
- The Importance of Versatility: Angoff’s career is a testament to the value of being versatile and excelling in different roles within the literary world.
In conclusion, Charles Angoff was a highly influential figure in the literary world, known for his versatility, passion for literature, and commitment to social justice. His contributions as a writer, editor, and literary critic continue to inspire and shape the literary landscape to this day.
Other People
Writer/Author
Writer
· England
1878 - 1957
Writer
· England
1950
Writer
1892 - 1966
