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The Algonquin Round Table: New York's Most Legendary Literary Circle

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Published in The Algonquin Round Table New York: A Historical Guide

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The Algonquin Round Table New York: A Historical Guide

by Kevin C. Fitzpatrick

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	45191 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	288 pages

The Algonquin Round Table was a group of writers, actors, critics, and wits who gathered regularly for lunch at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City during the 1920s and '30s. The group was known for its sharp wit, literary gossip, and theatrical hijinks.

The Round Table was founded by playwright George S. Kaufman and critic Alexander Woollcott in 1919. Other members included Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Harpo Marx, Edna Ferber, and Heywood Broun. The group met almost every day at the Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room.

The Algonquin Wits

The members of the Algonquin Round Table were known for their sharp wit and caustic humor. Dorothy Parker was the group's most famous wit, and her bon mots are still quoted today.

One of Parker's most famous quotes is: "I hate writing, I love having written."

Robert Benchley was another gifted humorist. He was known for his deadpan delivery and his ability to find the absurdity in everyday life.

One of Benchley's most famous quotes is: "I've had a lot of trouble in my life, but most of it never happened."

The Algonquin Literary Circle

In addition to their wit, the members of the Algonquin Round Table were also serious writers. Dorothy Parker was a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and short story writer. Robert Benchley was a renowned humorist and essayist. Edna Ferber was a bestselling novelist.

The group's members often discussed their work with each other, and they were always ready to offer support and constructive criticism.

The Algonquin Round Table had a profound impact on American literature. The group's members helped to shape the literary landscape of the 1920s and '30s, and their influence is still felt today.

The Algonquin Legacy

The legacy of the Algonquin Round Table is long and lasting. The group's members helped to create a new era of American literature, and their work continues to be read and enjoyed by readers around the world.

Today, the Algonquin Hotel is still a popular gathering place for writers and other creative people. The Oak Room, where the Round Table once met, is now a National Historic Landmark.

The Algonquin Round Table is a reminder of a time when New York City was a hotbed of literary talent. The group's members were some of the most brilliant and witty writers of their time, and their work continues to inspire and entertain readers today.