Inspirational Quotes by Nelson Algren (American Writer)

Nelson Algren (1909–81,) born Nelson Ahlgren Abraham, was an American novelist, short story writer, and journalist known for his gritty depictions of the working class and the marginalized in urban America. His works often explore themes of alienation, despair, and the complex lives of ordinary people.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Algren grew up in Chicago, a city that would become the focal point of much of his writing. He attended the University of Illinois, where he earned a degree in journalism. After graduating, he worked a variety of jobs, including as a factory laborer and a short-order cook, which gave him firsthand insight into the lives of the working class, a theme that would pervade his literary career.

His breakthrough came with the publication of Somebody in Boots (1935,) but it was his 1949 novel The Man with the Golden Arm that secured his place in American literature. The book, which tells the story of a drug-addicted card dealer in Chicago, won the National Book Award and brought him national recognition. His 1956 novel A Walk on the Wild Side further cemented his reputation for writing about society’s outsiders and was later adapted into a film. In addition to his novels, he wrote numerous short stories, essays, and journalistic pieces, including Chicago: City on the Make (1951,) a nonfiction book that vividly captures the spirit of his hometown.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Nelson Algren

Literature is made upon any occasion that a challenge is put to the legal apparatus by conscience in touch with humanity.
—Nelson Algren
Topics: Literature, Books

The avocation of assessing the failures of better men can be turned into a comfortable livelihood, providing you back it up with a Ph.D.
—Nelson Algren
Topics: Criticism, Critics, Education

I went out there for a thousand a week, and I worked Monday, and I got fired Wednesday. The guy that hired me was out of town Tuesday.
—Nelson Algren
Topics: Hollywood

The Impossible Generalized Man today is the critic who believes in loving those unworthy of love as well as those worthy—yet believes this only insofar as no personal risk is entailed. Meaning he loves no one, worthy or no. This is what makes him impossible.
—Nelson Algren
Topics: Love

The hard necessity of bringing the judge on the bench down into the dock has been the peculiar responsibility of the writer in all ages of man.
—Nelson Algren
Topics: Writing, Authors & Writing, Writers

Never play cards with a man called Doc. Never eat at a place called Mom s. Never sleep with a woman whose troubles are worse than your own.
—Nelson Algren
Topics: Advice

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Inspirational Quotes by Nelson Algren (American Writer)

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