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Stanley Elkin

28quotes

Stanley Elkin


#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Stanley Elkin was born on May 4, 1930, in New York City to a Jewish family. He is often referred to as Stan Elkin.

Birth and Death Dates


May 4, 1930 - May 31, 1995

Nationality and Profession(s)


Elkin held dual American and Israeli citizenship and was a renowned writer, known for his novels, short stories, essays, and poetry. He is particularly celebrated as a master of the novel form.

Early Life and Background


Stanley Elkin grew up in New York City's Lower East Side, where he developed a strong interest in writing from an early age. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was 10 years old, but he returned east for college. He attended New York University (NYU) and later earned his Master's degree at the University of Minnesota.

Major Accomplishments


Elkin's work often explored the complexities of human nature through satire, humor, and irony. His writing was characterized by its depth and nuance, tackling topics such as identity, morality, and the human condition. Some of his notable works include:

A Bad Heart (1966), a novel that examines the darker aspects of American society
 The Dick Gibson Show (1971), which satirizes the excesses of radio broadcasting and modern culture
* The Franchiser (1976), a picaresque novel that explores themes of identity, morality, and human connection

Notable Works or Actions


Elkin's writing is notable for its innovative style, blending elements of satire, realism, and fantasy. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and served as president from 1988 to 1990.

Impact and Legacy


Stanley Elkin's impact on American literature cannot be overstated. His work has been widely praised for its originality, wit, and insight into the human experience. His innovative style has influenced generations of writers and continues to inspire new generations.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Elkin is remembered not only as a master of the novel form but also for his unique voice and perspective on modern society. His work continues to be widely read and studied, offering insights into the complexities of human nature and the world we live in today.

Quotes by Stanley Elkin

I look eight years older than everybody.
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I look eight years older than everybody.
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Like most people of my generation, I fell in love with the philosophy of existentialism.
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Like most people of my generation, I fell in love with the philosophy of existentialism.
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Not just the celibacy thing but because he has God’s ear, a line on the mysteries. That’s impressive to girls.
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Not just the celibacy thing but because he has God’s ear, a line on the mysteries. That’s impressive to girls.
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Even the sky a hybrid – here clean and black and starred, there roiling with a brusque signature of cloud or piled in strata like folded linen or the interior of rock.
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Even the sky a hybrid – here clean and black and starred, there roiling with a brusque signature of cloud or piled in strata like folded linen or the interior of rock.
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It’s like everything else. The price of Torahs is higher in Alaska.
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It’s like everything else. The price of Torahs is higher in Alaska.
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I do not do schtick. What I do are organized routines and connected schtick – schtick upon schtick upon schtick until we have a piece of carpentry.
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I do not do schtick. What I do are organized routines and connected schtick – schtick upon schtick upon schtick until we have a piece of carpentry.
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It’s fine, precise, detailed work, the infinitely small motor management of diamond cutters and safecrackers that we do in our heads.
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It’s fine, precise, detailed work, the infinitely small motor management of diamond cutters and safecrackers that we do in our heads.
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But it’s hard to talk about art. Maybe there should be a law against it, some First Amendment gag order like crying fire in a crowded theater.
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But it’s hard to talk about art. Maybe there should be a law against it, some First Amendment gag order like crying fire in a crowded theater.
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I say “every so often” but it’s more frequent than that.
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I say “every so often” but it’s more frequent than that.
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The peculiar dignity of men seen eating alone in restaurants on national holidays.
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The peculiar dignity of men seen eating alone in restaurants on national holidays.
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