Imre Földes (writer)

Imre Földes, born Imre Fleischmann, also known as Emmerich Feld (15 September 1881, Kaposvár - 30 April 1958, Budapest) was a Hungarian playwright and librettist.

Not to be confused with the poster artist, Imre Földes
Imre Földes
(date unknown)

Biography

He originally worked as a government official in Budapest. In his spare time, he wrote historical plays in verse. His first work to receive a performance, in 1904, was A Király Arája (The King's Bride), which was presented at the National Theatre. A long series of Romantic dramas followed; three of which won awards from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

Much of his audience appeal was derived from his handling of social topics. In A Császár Katonái (The Emperor's Soldiers, 1908), he depicted the anti-Hungarian attitudes that were widespread in the Austro-Hungarian Army. In Hivatalnok Urak (The Clerks, 1909), he portrays the lives of government officials who behave like the public's masters, while unable to solve their own daily problems.

Critics described his plays as "more or less Socialist oriented"[1] and filled with "shocking" scenes. He was especially good at portraying the Jewish community of Budapest. In his later works, the criticisms are somewhat muted.

He also wrote some light comedies, in the style of Edmond Rostand, and co-authored librettos for operettas; notably Viktória and Hawaii rózsája. He published a number of short stories in newspapers and magazines as well.

References
  1. Pintér Jenő: A magyar irodalom története: tudományos rendszerezés (History of Hungarian Literature: A Scientific Systematization) Budapest, 1930–1941; Vol.8, the Novel and the Theatre.

Further reading
  • Szabolcsi Miklós (Ed.): A magyar irodalom története (History of Hungarian Literature), Vol.5, Budapest: Akadémiai Kiadó (1965), ISBN 963-05-1644-6-5
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