“Who Wrote Gentleman`s Agreement?”
Gentleman`s Agreement is a novel written by Laura Z. Hobson, an American author born in 1900. The novel was first published in 1947 and went on to become a bestseller, receiving critical acclaim for its portrayal of antisemitism in post-World War II America.
Hobson was born in New York City and attended Cornell University, but she dropped out after two years to pursue a career in journalism. She worked as a reporter for various newspapers, including the New York Evening Post, before becoming an editor at American Mercury magazine. It was during this time that she began writing fiction.
Gentleman`s Agreement was inspired by Hobson`s own experiences with prejudice as a Jewish woman living in America. The novel tells the story of Phil Green, a journalist who poses as a Jew in order to investigate antisemitism. The book explores the subtle and insidious ways in which prejudice affects people`s lives, from job discrimination to social exclusion.
The novel was adapted into a film in 1947, starring Gregory Peck as Phil Green. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Hobson went on to write several more novels, including Consenting Adult, which dealt with homosexuality. She was known for her socially conscious writing and her willingness to tackle controversial subjects.
In addition to her writing career, Hobson was also an activist. She was a member of the NAACP and was involved in various civil rights and antiwar organizations. She died in 1986 at the age of 85.
In conclusion, Laura Z. Hobson wrote Gentleman`s Agreement, a powerful novel that exposed the ugly truth of antisemitism in post-World War II America. The book remains an important work of literature and a testament to Hobson`s talent as a writer and her commitment to social justice.