Brooks Atkinson

Justin Brooks Atkinson ( born November 28, 1894 in Melrose, Massachusetts, † January 14, 1984 in Huntsville, Alabama) was an American theater critic of the New York Times 1925-1960 As the " first-line critics " significant in Manhattan. had an influence on the success of the pieces listed and he represented one of the largest daily newspapers, he could become one of the most influential theater critics at all.

Atkinson studied until 1917 at Harvard University and then worked for various newspapers. In 1922, he was a literary critic and 1925 theater critic of the New York Times. In this role, he assessed the Broadway theater productions.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he went on his own request as a correspondent for the New York Times to China, where he commented on the Pacific War the United States with Japan. He was then sent as a correspondent to Moscow. For this work he received the 1947 Pulitzer Prize. Until 1960 he was again in New York as a theater critic. In 1962 he was rewarded with a Tony Award.

He promoted among others, the playwright Eugene O'Neill and Sean O'Casey and was instrumental in the upgrading of the off-Broadway scene.

In 1960, the Mansfield Theatre on Broadway ( 47th Street ) was named after Brooks Atkinson.

Works (selection)

• Henry Thoreau, the Cosmic Yankee, 1927
• East of the Hudson, 1931
• The Cingalese Prince, 1938
• Broadway Scrapbook, 1947
• Once around the Sun, 1951
• Typed Letter Signed, 1962
• This Bright Country: A Personal View, 1972