Joseph Hergesheimer Famous American writer of the early 20th century Date of Birth: 15.02.1880 Country: USA

Biography of Joseph Hergeheimer

Joseph Hergeheimer, a renowned American writer of the early 20th century, gained popularity for his naturalistic novels depicting the decaying and decadent lives of the affluent class. Throughout his life, he experienced both the sweetness of fame and the bitterness of oblivion.

Joseph Hergeheimer was born on February 15, 1880, in Philadelphia. Initially aspiring to become an artist, he quickly shifted his focus towards the art of writing. His early success came with the publication of his first novel, "The Lay Anthony," in 1914. This was followed by the release of "Three Black Pennys" in 1917, a fictional chronicle of three generations of ironware manufacturers. Hergeheimer established himself as a writer known for his portrayal of characters from the upper class. He referred to his elaborate descriptive style as "aestheticism." After the publication of his novels "Java Head," "Linda Condon," and "Balisand," Hergeheimer achieved some recognition from critics. However, his fame fluctuated throughout his own lifetime, from widespread admiration and popularity in the 1920s to near obscurity by the time of his death. His novel "Java Head," which later gained mass success, was considered one of his best works. It tells the story of a mixed-race marriage from multiple perspectives.

Hergeheimer's flamboyant, elaborate, and descriptive style, particularly evident in his travel book "San Cristobal de la Habana," was praised for its combination of elegance and power. His writing style, known as the "aesthetic" school, remained in demand throughout the 1920s. F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is considered one of the brightest examples of this aesthetic writing form. In 1922, Hergeheimer was recognized as America's most influential writer of the period, according to a survey conducted by critics in the Literary Digest magazine. Both men and women enjoyed reading Hergeheimer's long and short stories. In anticipation of the release of his serialized story in Cosmopolitan magazine, he was referred to as a writer who "understands women better than any other living author."

On the other hand, English poet and playwright John Drinkwater wrote that Hergeheimer's constant whining, which appealed to sentimental women, had a destructive influence on American literature. In the 1930s, readers' tastes underwent significant changes. Critics and writers became less verbose, more restrained, and harsher. Hergeheimer, with his penchant for ornate style, found it difficult to adapt to the new literary environment. Surprisingly, his illustrious name quickly faded into obscurity. His last novel, "The Foolscap Rose," was published in 1934.

The diary of American journalist H.L. Mencken describes Hergeheimer's disappointment over the decline in his popularity and the lack of interest in his works. According to literary legend, Hergeheimer asked Mencken why no one had any interest in his books anymore. Mencken replied, "I don't know, Joe. Personally, I always enjoy watching you swing in the trees." Hergeheimer never managed to restore his reputation. Some flaws in his writing methodology can be clearly seen in novels such as "Cytherea," where the author's aesthetic views overwhelm other literary techniques, imagery, and subtle plots.

Clifton Fadiman saw in Hergeheimer's novels a "pure deficit of intellectual ability." On the other hand, Hergeheimer's expressive and descriptive language often had a significant impact on the reader. When Irish writer Samuel Beckett was asked in 1962 to name his favorite American novel, he replied, "'Java Head' by Hergeheimer is one of the best among those I have read." Hergeheimer's acclaimed short story "Tol'able David" was adapted into a silent film titled "Tol'able David" in 1921. In 1923, George Melford directed the melodrama "Java Head" based on the book. The same year saw the film adaptations of the stories "Bright Shawl" and "Wild Oranges." Ten years later, the novel "Java Head" was once again adapted into a British film.

In total, eight of Hergeheimer's works were brought to both the small and big screens.

The writer passed away on April 25, 1954, in New Jersey. He was buried at the Oakland Cemetery in West Chester, Pennsylvania. His wife, Dorothy, who died in 1969, was laid to rest beside him.

In Sinclair Lewis's critical realist novel "Babbitt," the main character is seen reading "Three Black Pennys" by Hergeheimer.