Origins & Early Life

Edmund Wilson Jr. (May 8, 1895 – June 12, 1972) was an American writer, literary critic, and journalist. He is widely regarded as one of the most important literary critics of the 20th century. Wilson began his career as a journalist, writing for publications such as Vanity Fair and The New Yorker.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He helped to edit The New Republic, served as chief book critic for The New Yorker, and was a frequent contributor to The New York Review of Books. His notable works include Axel's Castle (1931), described by Joyce Carol Oates as "a groundbreaking study of modern literature." Oates writes that Wilson "encroached fearlessly on areas reserved for academic 'experts': early Christianity in The Dead Sea Scrolls (1955), native American civilization in Apologies to the Iroquois (1960), and the American Civil War in Patriotic Gore (1962)." Wilson also authored a novel, I Thought of Daisy (1929) and a collection of short stories, Memoirs of Hecate County (1946). He was a friend of many notable figures, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, John Dos Passos and Vladimir Nabokov. His dream for a Library of America series of national classic works came to fruition through the efforts of Jason...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Cohen (novelist) — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): Greek-born Swiss novelist who wrote in French, known for his memoirs and international work.
• Aleksandr Vasilevsky — Contemporary (Born in 1895) (1895): A pivotal Soviet general who commanded forces during WWII and served as Minister of Defense.
• Alexandre Dumas fils — Contemporary (Died in 1895) (1895): Master French playwright and novelist, celebrated for 'The Lady of the Camellias'.
• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Contemporary (Died in 1972) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.
• Alessandro Nivola — Contemporary (Born in 1972) (1972): Versatile American actor known for film and stage work, building a notable career.
• Alison Stone (philosopher) — Contemporary (Born in 1972) (1972): British philosopher specializing in feminist and continental European thought.
• 6ix9ine — Shared historical date (05-08 · Born) (1996): American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
• Charles Horton Cooley — Shared historical date (05-08 · Died) (1929): Pioneering American sociologist known for the 'looking-glass self' concept.
• Al-Zamakhshari — Shared historical date (06-12 · Died) (1144): Pioneering scholar of Quranic exegesis, linguistics, and theology.
• Anne Frank — Shared historical date (06-12 · Born) (1929): German-born diarist whose secret writings documented life in hiding during the Holocaust.
• 1895 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1895
• May 8 (05-08) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 8
• 1972 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1972
• June 12 (06-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 12