Herbert Gold
Herbert Gold: A Life of Literary Excellence
Herbert Gold was an American novelist, journalist, and essayist who made significant contributions to the literary world with his unique blend of fiction, nonfiction, and criticism.
Full Name and Common Aliases
Herbert Gold (1924-2015) is often referred to as Herb or H.G. by friends and colleagues.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 12, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois, Gold passed away on May 16, 2015, at the age of 91.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Gold held American nationality and worked as a novelist, journalist, essayist, and critic throughout his career. He was also an editor, translator, and professor.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of Jewish immigrants from Poland, Gold's childhood was marked by a strong emphasis on education and intellectual pursuits. His parents encouraged his love for reading and writing, which would become the foundation of his future success. After serving in the United States Army during World War II, Gold attended the University of Chicago, where he began to develop his writing style.
Major Accomplishments
Gold's literary career spanned over six decades, with numerous publications that showcased his versatility as a writer. Some of his notable works include:
The _Magic Years_ (1948), a novel that explored themes of identity and belonging.
_Facets_ (1954), a collection of essays that demonstrated his ability to capture the essence of various subjects.
* _South of Baranof_ (1966), a semi-autobiographical novel that chronicled his experiences in Alaska.
Notable Works or Actions
Gold's writing often explored the complexities of human relationships, social issues, and personal growth. He was also known for his translations of French literature, which helped to introduce European authors to American readers.
Impact and Legacy
As a pioneering figure in the development of confessional fiction, Gold influenced many writers who followed in his footsteps. His contributions to literary magazines and journals, such as _The New Yorker_ and _Partisan Review_, also left an indelible mark on the publishing world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Gold's unique voice, insight into human nature, and willingness to experiment with form and style have made him a beloved and respected figure in literary circles. His work continues to be celebrated for its thought-provoking themes, vivid characters, and lyrical prose, ensuring his legacy as a masterful writer and critic.
Gold's commitment to exploring the complexities of human experience through his writing has left an enduring impact on literature. As readers continue to appreciate his innovative style and profound insights, his work remains a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to transcend time and generations.
Quotes by Herbert Gold

With short stories, the story-teller must have a story to tell, not merely some sweet prose to take out for a walk.

With short stories, the story-teller must have a story to tell, not merely some sweet prose to take out for a walk

I always ask young writers, 'Are you certain you want to be a writer? If you're absolutely sure, then do it.' If you really want to write, writing has to take precedence over everything else, except for taking care of your loved ones. It has to be more important than any possession, more important than fame. We hear about just a few writers who get famous, but most of them don't. It's got to mean more than that.

Being a writer is a rather hazardous occupation and there is a horribly high rate of writers who barely have the money for the paper and pen they use for their craft.

To construct a proper privacy, making it a privilege rather than a burden, we first need to construct a community-love, family, politics, art.

Old age is wasted on the elderly: the young know what to do with it-insist on something different.

The steady pressure to consume, absorb, participate, receive, by eye, ear, mouth, and mail involves a cruelty to intestines, blood pressure, and psyche unparalleled in history.

The magic will which makes us see the other side of our natures-dream and disaster, catastrophe and fulfillment-is the great permanent challenge of humanity.

If mankind is naturally good, he is sure going against his nature more and more of the time. It sounds like a bad joke: the paranoids are after us.
