Deaths on May 5

Irving Howe, American literary and social critic (b. 1920)

Irving Howe (June 11, 1920 – May 5, 1993) was a profoundly influential American intellectual, whose prolific career spanned more than five decades as an incisive literary and social critic. He also emerged as a prominent and tireless advocate for democratic socialism, playing a pivotal role in the shaping of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Howe's intellectual journey was deeply rooted in the vibrant, often contentious, landscape of the New York Intellectuals, a group known for their passionate engagement with literature, politics, and culture. His work consistently sought to bridge the gap between academic discourse and pressing social concerns, making him a unique voice in American letters.

Literary Criticism: A Broad and Deep Engagement

As a literary critic, Irving Howe possessed an extraordinary range and depth, focusing particularly on modernism and the rich tapestry of Yiddish literature. He was celebrated for his ability to elucidate complex literary movements and individual authors with clarity and an acute critical eye. Howe’s scholarship on modernism helped define its characteristics and impact on 20th-century literature, but he equally dedicated himself to preserving and interpreting the cultural heritage of Yiddish, a language and tradition he felt was imperiled after the Holocaust. His seminal work, World of Our Fathers: The Journey of the East European Jews to America and the Life They Found and Made (1976), stands as a monumental achievement. This meticulously researched and moving account not only earned him a National Book Award but also became an essential text for understanding the immigrant experience and the vibrant Yiddish culture that once flourished in America.

Social Criticism and Political Activism

Irving Howe’s commitment to social criticism was inextricably linked to his lifelong adherence to democratic socialist principles. Unlike many of his contemporaries who were drawn to or disillusioned by communism, Howe remained a steadfast anti-Stalinist, advocating for a humane, democratic, and ethically grounded form of socialism. He was a co-founder and editor of Dissent magazine, established in 1954, which quickly became an indispensable forum for non-dogmatic, independent left-wing thought in America. Through Dissent and his numerous essays, Howe critically engaged with everything from American foreign policy and civil rights to the changing nature of intellectual life and the challenges facing the working class. His intellectual leadership extended to the practical realm of politics, where he was a key figure in the formation and growth of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). As one of its most articulate and respected voices, he helped to define its intellectual foundations and championed its vision of a more equitable and just society.

Legacy and Influence

Irving Howe's legacy endures through his vast body of work, which continues to inform discussions in literary studies, American history, and political thought. He challenged intellectuals to remain engaged with the wider world, to speak truth to power, and to never shy away from defending democratic values against all forms of authoritarianism, whether from the right or the left. His contributions helped shape generations of readers and activists, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of American intellectual and political discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions about Irving Howe

Who were the "New York Intellectuals" and what was Howe's connection to them?

The "New York Intellectuals" were a loose group of writers, critics, and thinkers, many of whom were of Jewish immigrant background, who emerged in New York City from the 1930s to the 1960s. They were characterized by their intense engagement with literature, politics (especially anti-Stalinist left-wing thought), and culture, often publishing in journals like Partisan Review and later Dissent. Irving Howe was a prominent member of this group, sharing their intellectual vigor, their commitment to democratic ideals, and their critical approach to both capitalism and totalitarian communism.

What was the significance of Dissent magazine?

Dissent magazine, co-founded by Howe in 1954, became a vital intellectual space for the independent American left. It distinguished itself by offering a platform for non-communist, democratic socialist perspectives, providing a critical voice on social, political, and cultural issues without adhering to any party line. It played a crucial role in fostering open debate and intellectual rigor within the left during the Cold War era and beyond, advocating for social justice and democratic values.

How did Irving Howe define "democratic socialism"?

For Irving Howe, democratic socialism was fundamentally about extending democratic principles from the political sphere into the economic and social realms. It advocated for public ownership or democratic control of key industries, robust social welfare programs, and strong labor protections, all within a framework of democratic governance, civil liberties, and human rights. He sharply distinguished it from authoritarian communism, emphasizing that true socialism must always be democratic and humane, focused on empowering ordinary people rather than concentrating power in the state.

What is World of Our Fathers about?

World of Our Fathers: The Journey of the East European Jews to America and the Life They Found and Made (1976) is Irving Howe's highly acclaimed historical and cultural study. It chronicles the mass migration of East European Jews to the United States, primarily from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, and vividly portrays their lives, struggles, and achievements in America. The book meticulously details the vibrant Yiddish culture they built—including its literature, theater, and political movements—and their eventual integration into American society, while preserving the memory of a unique and influential community.