Michael Korda
Michael Korda: A Literary Luminary
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Michael Korda
Common Aliases: None
Birth and Death Dates
Born: October 8, 1933
Died: N/A (as of the latest update in 2023)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: British-American
Profession(s): Author, Editor, Publisher
Early Life and Background
Michael Korda was born into a family steeped in the arts and entertainment industry. His birthplace, London, England, was a vibrant cultural hub, and his family was no stranger to the limelight. His father, Vincent Korda, was a renowned art director, and his uncle, Alexander Korda, was a prominent film producer. This illustrious lineage provided Michael with a unique perspective on storytelling and creativity from an early age.
During World War II, Korda's family relocated to the United States, where he would eventually carve out his own niche in the literary world. He attended private schools in New York and later graduated from Le Rosey, a prestigious boarding school in Switzerland. Korda's education was further enriched by his time at Oxford University, where he studied history. This diverse educational background laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the literary and publishing fields.
Major Accomplishments
Michael Korda's career is marked by a series of significant accomplishments that have left an indelible mark on the publishing industry. He began his career at Simon & Schuster, one of the most prestigious publishing houses in the United States, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become Editor-in-Chief. His tenure at Simon & Schuster was characterized by his keen eye for talent and his ability to identify and nurture bestselling authors.
Korda's editorial acumen was instrumental in the success of numerous authors, including the likes of Jacqueline Susann, Larry McMurtry, and Richard Nixon. His ability to balance commercial success with literary merit made him a respected figure in the publishing world. Under his leadership, Simon & Schuster published a wide array of influential books that resonated with readers across the globe.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his editorial achievements, Michael Korda is a prolific author in his own right. His bibliography includes a diverse range of works, from memoirs and biographies to historical narratives and novels. One of his most notable works, "Charmed Lives," is a memoir that offers an intimate glimpse into his family's storied history in the film industry. This book not only showcases Korda's storytelling prowess but also his ability to weave personal anecdotes with broader historical contexts.
Another significant contribution to literature is his biography of T.E. Lawrence, titled "Hero: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia." This meticulously researched work delves into the complexities of Lawrence's character and his impact on history, further cementing Korda's reputation as a skilled biographer.
Impact and Legacy
Michael Korda's impact on the literary world is multifaceted. As an editor, he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous authors, many of whom have become household names. His editorial philosophy emphasized the importance of storytelling and the power of the written word to captivate and inspire readers.
As an author, Korda's works have contributed to a deeper understanding of historical figures and events. His ability to blend narrative flair with factual accuracy has made his books both engaging and informative, appealing to a wide audience.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Michael Korda is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful observations on the publishing industry, writing, and the creative process. His quotes often reflect his deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of storytelling, offering valuable insights to aspiring writers and seasoned authors alike. Korda's reflections on the nature of success, creativity, and perseverance resonate with readers and writers, making his words timeless and universally applicable.
In summary, Michael Korda's legacy is one of literary excellence and editorial innovation. His contributions to the world of books have left an enduring impact, ensuring that his insights and works continue to inspire and enlighten future generations.
Quotes by Michael Korda
Michael Korda's insights on:
The first thing to be said about 'Prague Winter,' former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's new book, is that she very wisely chooses to confront early on in it her apparent surprise at learning late in life that she was born Jewish.
About once a decade, it becomes necessary to remind Americans again that Ulysses S. Grant was a great man, indeed a giant figure. The usual way to try to do this is by publishing a thumping big biography, and let me say that there is nothing wrong with this, although it still hasn't worked.
Prime ministers come and go, but so long as he or she lives, the sovereign remains, receiving and reading all state papers and meeting once a week with the prime minister to advise, enquire, and comment - sometimes sharply, as was the case with Queen Elizabeth II and Mrs. Thatcher - on affairs of state.
My father fought on the side of the Central Powers, as a soldier in the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Army, my maternal grandfather fought in the British Army, on different sides, and both were so traumatized by the experience that they never talked about it.
In Britain and Europe, no event is less forgotten than World War I, or 'The Great War,' as it was called until 1939.
The studio moguls were certainly bigger-than-life figures, but they were also tough and unforgiving street fighters to a man, redeemed only because they were also the butt of so many Hollywood jokes.
If your family was part of the movie business, then watching 'Moguls & Movie Stars' is like looking at the family photo album: hilarious to members of the family, numbingly boring to those outside the family circle.
I attended first a military academy, then a public school in Beverly Hills, where we lived, and many of my classmates were the children of movie stars and studio executives.
In the Roman world, and in the worlds around it that Romans sought to subdue and control, the gods were merciless, frivolous, prone to set traps for humans, and largely indifferent to the unprivileged bulk of humankind, who in any case did not expect their fate in the afterworld to be any better than it had been on earth.
Citizens of Rome might boast that the claim of 'Civus romanus sum' set them apart from barbarians and slaves, and it was true up to a point, but Roman citizens lived in a society that accepted pain, cruelty, and torture as the norm, and in which there was no suggestion of equality at birth or mercy in the afterlife.