Manuel Komroff
Manuel Komroff was an American author and journalist born in 1890 in New York City. He studied at Yale University and began his career as a newspaper reporter before transitioning to a role as a movie critic for Film Daily from 1919 to 1921. Komroff's literary contributions included biographies of significant historical figures such as Marco Polo, Charlemagne, and Julius Caesar, showcasing his ability to weave engaging narratives from history. He also ventured into fiction and children's literature, co-authoring a children's book with his second wife, Odette Steele, in 1957. His works often made their way to the screen, with adaptations like "Small Town Boy" and "The Scarlet Empress." Komroff had a strong connection to the arts, particularly photography and painting, and documented many literary figures through his lens. He also served as an instructor at Columbia University and contributed to the Writer's War Board during World War II. Komroff passed away in 1974, leaving behind a diverse body of work that reflects his varied interests and talents.
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Subject Terms
Manuel Komroff
Writer
- Born: September 7, 1890
- Birthplace: New York, New York
- Died: December 10, 1974
- Place of death: Kingston, New York
Biography
Manuel Komroff was born in 1890 in New York City, the son of a businessman and his wife. He was educated at Yale University. Komroff first married in 1918 to artist Elinor M. Barnard, an English watercolorist. However, the couple divorced and Komroff later married Odette Steele in 1938, with whom he wrote a children’s book in 1957.
Komroff’s career began as a newspaper reporter for two years in New York City, which then resulted in a position as a movie critic for Film Daily from 1919 to 1921. Throughout the 1920’s, Komroff worked as an editor for various publishing houses and libraries. Beginning in 1930, he was an instructor for Columbia University. From 1941 to 1945, Komroff also served as an advisor for the Writer’s War Board during World War II.
Komroff was a prolific author of biographies of historical figures, including Marco Polo, Charlemagne, and Julius Caesar. In addition, Komroff wrote fiction and children’s books. Some of Komroff’s works also appeared as films. Small Town Boy in 1937 was based off of one of his novels, as was The Magic Bow in 1946. Also, his screenplay The Scarlet Empress was made into a film starring Marlene Dietrich.
Throughout his life, Komroff was also interested in art, particularly photography and painting; among his papers are numerous photographic portraits of literary figures, most of which were taken by Komroff. He died in 1974.