Frederic Morton

Frederic Morton was born on October 5th, 1924

Full Name: Frederic Morton

Place of Birth: Vienna, Austria

Profession: Banker, Journalist, and Author

Notable Work: The Rothschilds

Genre: Historical Fiction

Language: English

Death Date: April 18, 2015

Death Cause: Old age

Austrian-American banker, journalist, and author who wrote novels and biographies, including a bestselling biography of Rothschild family, and was a prominent figure in New York City's literary and social circles.

Written by:

Lisa Chang

Frederic Morton: The Acclaimed Austrian-American Writer

Frederic Morton, a renowned Austrian-American writer, is best known for his captivating novels and insightful non-fiction works that have fascinated readers for generations. With a career spanning over six decades, Morton has authored an impressive array of books that have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following.

Early Life and Career

Born Fritz Mandelbaum on October 5, 1924, in Vienna, Austria, Morton was the son of a blacksmith who specialized in forging imperial medals. After his father's arrest in 1938, the family fled to Britain in 1939 and eventually settled in New York City in 1940, where they changed their surname to Morton.

Morton's writing career began in 1949, when he started studying literature. He worked as a baker while honing his writing skills, eventually becoming a columnist for several prominent American periodicals, including The New York Times, Esquire, and Playboy.

Notable Works

The Hound (1947) - Morton's debut novel, which won the Intercollegiate Literary Fellowship Prize.
Asphalt and Desire (1952) - A novel that showcases Morton's unique writing style and storytelling ability.
The Rothschilds: A Family Portrait (1962) - A meticulously researched and engaging non-fiction work that explores the lives of the Rothschild family.
The Schatten Affair (1965) - A gripping novel that delves into themes of intrigue and suspense.
A Nervous Splendor: Vienna 1888-1889 (1979) - A historical non-fiction work that vividly captures the essence of Vienna during the late 19th century.
Thunder at Twilight: Vienna 1913-1914 (1989) - A critically acclaimed work that offers a nuanced understanding of Vienna on the eve of World War I.
Runaway Waltz (2005) - Morton's memoir, which offers a candid glimpse into his life and career.

Awards and Honors

Morton's contributions to literature have been recognized with several awards and honors, including the Intercollegiate Literary Fellowship Prize for The Hound and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Personal Life and Legacy

Morton married Marcia, whom he met in college, in 1962. The couple had a long and fulfilling marriage, during which they collaborated on several projects, including the illustrated history of chocolate, Chocolate: An Illustrated History (1986).

Fredric Morton passed away on April 20, 2015, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as a masterful storyteller and a consummate writer. His works continue to inspire and captivate readers, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.

Timeline

1924

Born in Vienna, Austria

Frederic Morton was born on October 5, 1924, in Vienna, Austria, to a Jewish family.

1939

Fled Austria to the United States

Morton fled Austria in 1939, shortly after Germanys annexation of Austria, and immigrated to the United States.

1950

Became Journalist

Morton began his career as a journalist in the early 1950s, working for various newspapers and magazines.

1963

Published The Rothschilds

Morton published his best-selling novel, The Rothschilds, in 1963, which tells the story of the Rothschild banking dynasty.

2015

Died at age 90

Frederic Morton passed away on January 18, 2015, at the age of 90, leaving behind a body of work that explored the complexities of European history and society.

Frederic Morton Quiz

Frederic Morton was a prominent figure in which city's literary and social circles?

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FAQ

What was Frederic Mortons background in journalism?

Frederic Morton was a respected journalist and editor, having worked for prominent publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Times. His journalism career spanned multiple decades.

What was Frederic Mortons most famous novel?

Frederic Mortons most famous novel is The Rothschilds, a historical epic that explores the lives of the Rothschild family. The novel was adapted into a successful film and stage production.

How did Frederic Mortons experience in banking influence his writing?

Frederic Mortons experience in banking and finance provided a unique perspective that informed his writing, particularly in The Rothschilds. His knowledge of high finance added depth and nuance to his narrative.

What were some of Frederic Mortons notable non-fiction works?

Frederic Morton wrote several acclaimed non-fiction works, including A Nervous Splendor: Vienna 1888-1889 and Thunder at Twilight: Vienna 1913-1914. These books showcased his mastery of historical narrative and cultural analysis.

What awards did Frederic Morton receive for his writing?

Frederic Morton received multiple awards for his writing, including the National Book Award and the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. His work has been widely translated and celebrated worldwide.

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