Russell Lynes Quotes
Russell Lynes was an American author, editor, and cultural critic known for his wit and keen observations on American society. He was born in 1910 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and attended Yale University. After working in advertising and publishing, he became the managing editor of HarperR…Read More
Russell Lynes was an American author, editor, and cultural critic known for his wit and keen observations on American society. He was born in 1910 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and attended Yale University. After working in advertising and publishing, he became the managing editor of Harper’s Magazine in 1936, where he remained for over 20 years.Lynes was known for his satirical essays and critiques of American culture, often poking fun at the pretensions and excesses of the upper class. He also wrote several books, including “The Tastemakers” (1954), which examined the role of taste in society, and “The Domesticated Americans” (1963), which explored the changing dynamics of the American family.In addition to his writing, Lynes was a prominent figure in the New York social scene, hosting lavish parties and gatherings at his home. He was also a respected art collector and served as the director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.Lynes’ sharp wit and insightful commentary made him a popular figure in the literary world, and his works continue to be studied and appreciated today. He passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of cultural criticism and satire that still resonates with readers.Read Less
Russell Lynes was an American author, editor, and cultural critic known for his wit and keen observations on American society. He was born in 1910 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and attended Yale University. After working in advertising and publishing, he became the managing editor of Harper’s Magazine in 1936, where he remained for over 20 years.Lynes was known for his satirical essays and critiques of American culture, often poking fun at the pretensions and excesses of the upper class. He also wrote several books, including “The Tastemakers” (1954), which examined the role of taste in society, and “The Domesticated Americans” (1963), which explored the changing dynamics of the American family.In addition to his writing, Lynes was a prominent figure in the New York social scene, hosting lavish parties and gatherings at his home. He was also a respected art collector and served as the director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.Lynes’ sharp wit and insightful commentary made him a popular figure in the literary world, and his works continue to be studied and appreciated today. He passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of cultural criticism and satire that still resonates with readers.
12 Inspiring Russell Lynes Quotes
Russell Lynes Career Highlights
- Lynes began his career as an art historian, working as a curator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City from 1935 to 1942.
- In 1942, he joined the Office of War Information, where he worked as a writer and editor for the magazine Victory.
- After the war, Lynes became the managing editor of Harper’s Magazine, where he worked for 20 years and helped shape the publication into one of the most influential literary magazines of its time.
- In 1950, he published his first book, “Snobs: A Guidebook,” which became a bestseller and established him as a cultural critic.
- Lynes also wrote for The New Yorker, Vogue, and other prominent publications, covering a wide range of topics from art and literature to fashion and society.
- In 1960, he became the director of the Art Gallery of the University of Florida, where he organized several groundbreaking exhibitions and expanded the collection to include works by contemporary artists.
- In the 1970s, Lynes returned to writing and published several books, including “The Tastemakers,” which explored the world of high society and its influence on culture.
- He also taught at various universities, including Columbia University and the University of Michigan, and was a visiting professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
Key Contributions by Russell Lynes
- As a curator at the Museum of Modern Art, Lynes played a crucial role in promoting modern art and introducing it to a wider audience.
- During his time at Harper’s Magazine, he published works by some of the most influential writers of the 20th century, including James Baldwin, Truman Capote, and E.B. White.
- Lynes’ book “Snobs: A Guidebook” was a groundbreaking work that explored the concept of snobbery and its impact on society.
- He was also a pioneer in the field of cultural criticism, using his sharp wit and keen observations to analyze and critique various aspects of society.
- Lynes’ work as a curator and director of the Art Gallery of the University of Florida helped bring contemporary art to a wider audience and fostered a deeper appreciation for modern art.
What Sets Russell Lynes Apart
- Lynes was known for his sharp wit, keen observations, and ability to write about a wide range of topics with equal expertise and insight.
- He was a master of satire and often used humor to shed light on societal issues and cultural trends.
- Lynes’ writing was characterized by his unique blend of intelligence, humor, and cultural criticism, making him stand out as a writer and editor.
- He was also a skilled photographer and often used his photographs to complement his written works, adding a visual element to his storytelling.
Takeaways
- Russell Lynes was a multi-talented individual who made significant contributions to the fields of art and literature.
- He was a pioneer in the field of cultural criticism and used his writing to analyze and critique various aspects of society.
- Lynes’ work as a curator and editor helped shape the cultural landscape of the 20th century and introduced modern art and literature to a wider audience.
- His unique blend of intelligence, humor, and cultural criticism continues to inspire and influence writers and critics today.
Other People
Writer/Author
Writer
· England
1878 - 1957
Writer
· England
1950
Writer
1892 - 1966
