Again: Adamic - a Writer, Yes or No?

Abstract

Despite the fact that much has been written and said in the last two decades about the life and work of Louise Adamic, there are voids in both his life and work, which will probably never be filled for the lack of information. The author analyses Adamic’s creative periods and ascertains that, given the various areas of his interest, it is no wonder that he was perfect in none. She underlines that while his literature did not stand up to the pressure of time and his works are not literary gems, the warm humanism and humane message the emanate are worth emphasizing.

 

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The author puts forth in this article primarly two questions. Why did Adamic choose his particular way of life? And where does the greatest merit of his work lie? She emphasizes Adamic’s characteristic manner of simultaneously acting in several, different areas - a multiplicity with which he, in the author’s oppinion, just could not cope. Listed are some examples of such activities, or rather Adamic’s plans which he could not realize. The author divides Adamic’s multilayered activity into several periods: up to 1921 - his literary beginnings; the era of translations and short stories until 1927; the era of his greatest literary sucesses in the early 1930’s; and the era of his political work and corresponding literary effort in the 40’s. The author believes that, given the abundance of Adamic’s work, it is no wonder he has had no time for perfection, and she ascertains that his literature did not hold up against the pressure of time. However, while we m ay be unable to talk about a literary excellence in his works, we can emphasize his warm humanism and the humane messages they emanate.