Shmuel Yosef Agnon

Shmuel Yosef Agnon (Hebrew: ????? ???? ?????; born Shmuel Yosef Czaczkes) (July 17, 1888 – February 17, 1970) was the first Hebrew writer to win the Nobel Prize in literature (1966). He won the prize jointly with author Nelly Sachs.

Works

The wellspring of Agnon's works is Judaism in all of its aspects, such as customs, faith, and language. Agnon gives them his own touch and a unique commentary. They are all expressed in his works, which are unique in their content and language.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Agnon was also influenced by German literature and culture specifically and European literature in general, which he read in German translation. The budding Hebrew literature also influenced his works. Some of his protagonists are Zionists of the Second Aliyah.

Related Topics:
Hebrew - Zionists

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The communities he passed through in his life are reflected in his works:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Galicia: in the books The Bridal Canopy, A City and the Fullness Thereof, and A Guest for the Night.
• Germany: in the stories "Fernheim", "Thus Far", and "Between Two Cities".
• Jaffa: in the stories "Oath of Allegiance", "Yesteryear", and "The Dune".
• Jerusalem: "Prayer", "Yesteryear", "Ido ve-Inam", and "Shira".

Agnon's substantial selection of stories have been published in various collections. Some of his works, such as The Bridal Canopy, And the Crooked Shall Be Made Straight, and The Doctor and His Ex-Wife, have been adapted for theater and performed in Israeli theaters. Some of them have aired on Israeli television.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~