Alfred Tamarin
Alfred Tamarin was an American writer, editor, and photographer known for his significant contributions to nonfiction literature aimed at young adults during the 1960s and 1970s. Born in 1913 in Hudson, New York, Tamarin pursued his education at prestigious institutions, including New York University and Columbia University, where he cultivated his skills in photography. His career began in the arts, serving as the director of advertising and public relations for the Theatre Guild, and later as vice president for music and recording at United Artists. Tamarin's literary work started with "Revolt in Judea: The Road to Masada," but he gained recognition primarily for editing and illustrating young adult books, including notable works on figures like Benjamin Franklin and historical topics such as firefighting and early American interactions with Japan. He collaborated closely with his wife, Shirley Glubok, on several educational books about various cultures and histories. Despite facing health challenges later in life, Tamarin's legacy endures through his impactful contributions to children's literature and photography before his passing in 1980. His works continue to serve as valuable resources for young readers and educators alike.
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Subject Terms
Alfred Tamarin
Author
- Born: May 31, 1913
- Birthplace: Hudson, New York
- Died: August 19, 1980
- Place of death: New York, New York
Biography
Alfred Tamarin established himself in the 1960’s and 1970’s as the writer and editor of nonfiction books for young adults. He also gained considerable fame as a photographer whose extensive photographs illustrate a number of art books, including some written by his wife, Shirley Glubok, an art historian and writer.
Born in Hudson, New York, in 1913, Tamarin was the son of Abraham and Fanny Naishtat Tamarin. He received a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from New York University in 1934 and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He continued his education at New York University, Hunter College of the City University of New York, and Columbia University. At the same time, he honed his skills as a photographer.
In 1942, Tamarin accepted a job as director of advertising and public relations for the Theatre Guild in New York City, a position he held for three years. By 1956, he had become vice president for music and recording in the New York headquarters of United Artists, a motion picture production company. In the intervening years, he worked as a travel photographer and lecturer, giving frequent presentations at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the University of Kansas, and the University of Arizona, among other venues. In 1961, he was appointed vice president for Inflight Motion Pictures, a position he held until 1968.
Tamarin’s first published book was Revolt in Judea: The Road to Masada, which he edited and was his only book directed at an adult audience. Published in 1968, it was followed in 1969 by his first young adult book, Benjamin Franklin: An Autobiographical Portrait, which Tamarin edited and illustrated. His edited version of The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini, also featuring his illustrations, was published in 1969. He subsequently wrote three young adult nonfiction books about firefighting, East Coast Indians, and Japan’s early encounters with the United States.
Between 1975 and 1978, Tamarin collaborated with his wife, Glubok, on four young adult nonfiction books. These books were about Southwestern Indian tribes; the ancient Olympic Games in Greece; early Chinese-American trade; and Ramose, an ancient Egyptian nobelman.
By the late 1970’s, health problems were making life difficult for Tamarin. He was ill for an extended period before he died on August, 19, 1980.