Marya Mannes
Marya Mannes
#### A Maverick of American Journalism
Marya Mannes was a renowned American journalist, novelist, and critic who made significant contributions to the literary world during her lifetime. Her sharp wit, incisive writing style, and unwavering commitment to social justice earned her a reputation as one of the most respected voices in journalism.
Full Name and Common Aliases
Marya Mannes was born on February 8, 1904, in New York City. She is often referred to by her pen name, Marya Mannes.
Birth and Death Dates
February 8, 1904 – January 18, 1990
Nationality and Profession(s)
Mannes was an American journalist, novelist, critic, and essayist. Her work spanned multiple genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and journalism.
Early Life and Background
Born to a Jewish family in New York City, Mannes grew up in a household that valued education and intellectual pursuits. Her parents encouraged her love of reading and writing from an early age. Mannes began writing at a young age and was published in several literary magazines while still in high school.
Major Accomplishments
Mannes's most notable accomplishments include:
Serving as the editor-in-chief of _The Nation_ magazine, where she championed progressive causes and social justice.
Writing critically acclaimed novels, including _Daughters of Elysee_, which won the National Book Award in 1946.
Authoring influential nonfiction works, such as _Children of Passion: The Reckoning of a Family_, which explored themes of family, love, and identity.Notable Works or Actions
Mannes's writing often tackled complex social issues, including racism, sexism, and anti-Semitism. Her work was characterized by its nuance, empathy, and commitment to human rights. Some notable works include:
Daughters of Elysee (1946): A novel that explores the lives of four women from different backgrounds, highlighting themes of love, family, and social responsibility.
Children of Passion: The Reckoning of a Family (1965): A nonfiction work that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, love, and identity.
Subject to Change (1975): A novel that critiques American society's values and institutions.
Impact and Legacy
Mannes's impact on American journalism and literature is undeniable. Her commitment to social justice and her unwavering dedication to exposing the human condition have inspired generations of writers and journalists. Her work continues to be widely read and studied today, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of human experience.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mannes's quotes and writings are often cited for their insight into the human condition. Her ability to capture the essence of complex social issues through her writing has made her a respected voice in American literature. Her commitment to exposing injustice, advocating for human rights, and exploring the complexities of family and love have cemented her place as one of the most important writers of her generation.
Throughout her career, Mannes remained dedicated to her craft, pushing the boundaries of literary expression and challenging readers to confront their assumptions about society and themselves. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of writing to inspire change, spark dialogue, and connect us across generations.
Quotes by Marya Mannes
Marya Mannes's insights on:
I don't think the advertisers have any real idea of their power not only to reflect but to mold society.
It is not enough to show people how to live better: there is a mandate for any group with enormous powers of communication to show people how to be better.
Hoary idea, in any case, expecting a woman to surrender her name to her husband’s in exchange for his. Why? Would any man submerge his identity and heritage to the woman he wed?
I don’t think the advertisers have any real idea of their power not only to reflect but to mould society.
Republicans seems to me to be chiefly concerned with holding on to what they have: in society, it’s position, or respectability, or what you will; in business, of course, it’s profit.
All people talk of money sometimes, everywhere. But not for all people, everywhere, is money the addiction, the obsession, the stimulant, that it seems to be in New York. It is a large part of the clamor, and it is the voice – quite literally – of the man in the street.
I would call an intellectual one whose instrument of work – his mind – is also his major source of pleasure; a man whose entertainment is his intelligence.
Know the difference between Giant and Jumbo? Between two-ounce and a big two-ounce? Between a quart and a full quart? What’s a tall 24-inch? What does Extra Long mean? Who’s kidding who?
A seventeenth-century painting can be “modern” because the living eye finds it fresh and new. A “modern” painting can be outdated because it was a product of the moment and not of time.
