Ludwig Lewisohn
Ludwig Lewisohn was a prominent figure in Jewish American literature, born in Berlin, Germany, before emigrating to the United States in 1890. He pursued higher education, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees from the College of South Carolina, and later began doctoral studies at Columbia University. However, he faced anti-Semitism that hindered his academic career, leading to an honorary doctorate from Columbia in 1914 instead. A controversial figure, Lewisohn was known for his outspoken opposition to World War I, which led to his resignation from Ohio State University. His personal life was marked by multiple marriages and relationships, including a significant partnership with singer Thelma Spear, and he supported Zionist causes during his career. Throughout his life, Lewisohn published five novels and worked as a literary critic, contributing to the landscape of American literature. Despite some of his work being forgotten over time, he remains a significant figure in the history of Jewish American literature and co-founded Brandeis University in 1948. He continued to teach and write until his passing in 1955.
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Ludwig Lewisohn
Literary Critic
- Born: May 30, 1882
- Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
- Died: December 31, 1955
Biography
Ludwig Lewisohn was born in Berlin, Germany, to Jacques and Minna Lewisohn, although the exact year of his birth is uncertain. In 1890, the family emigrated to the United States, settling first in St. Matthews, South Carolina, and later moving to Charleston. Lewisohn attended the College of South Carolina, and by 1902 he had received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. He enrolled in the doctoral program in English at Columbia University but left in 1904 when anti- Semitism prevented him from finding a teaching position. However, in 1914, the university awarded him an honorary doctorate. He married Mary Crocker in 1906. By 1911, he was teaching at Ohio State University but was asked to resign because of his opposition to World War I. His relationship with his wife deteriorated while he was working as a drama critic for The Nation, and they initiated divorce proceedings in 1922.
In 1924, Lewisohn left for Europe with aspiring singer Thelma Spear, having received a settlement for separation from his wife. While he and Spear were traveling in Europe, his wife started a legal action against him, and he was unable to return to the United States until 1934. Although Lewisohn and Spear had a child together, they eventually separated without having married.
In 1940, he married Edna Manley, the same year that he began working as an editor for the New Palestine. During this period, he devoted most of his time to lecturing and writing in support of the Zionists. His marriage to Manley ended in 1944, and he was married for the third time to Louise Woik. Lewisohn became one of the founders of Brandeis University in 1948, and he continued to teach there until his death in 1955.
Lewisohn published his first novel, The Broken Snare, in 1908. He continued to write throughout his life, and he published a total of five novels. As well, he was a literary critic. Although much of his work has largely been forgotten, Lewisohn is still an important figure in the history of Jewish American literature.