Michael Kordan: A Literary Legend

Who was Michael Korda?

Michael Korda was an American author, editor, and literary agent.

As an author, he is best known for his novels about the publishing world, including "The Publishing Game" (1977) and "God Is My Broker" (1983). As an editor, he worked for Simon & Schuster and Viking Press, where he was responsible for discovering and publishing many successful authors.

Korda was born in London, England, in 1933. He attended Oxford University, where he studied English literature. After graduating, he worked as a journalist for the London Evening Standard before moving to the United States in 1962.

In the United States, Korda began his career in publishing as an editor at Simon & Schuster. He later moved to Viking Press, where he became editor-in-chief in 1972. During his tenure at Viking, he published many notable authors, including Salman Rushdie, Toni Morrison, and John Irving.

In 1987, Korda left Viking Press to start his own literary agency. He represented many successful authors, including Salman Rushdie, Toni Morrison, and John Irving.

Korda died in 2019 at the age of 86.

Michael Korda

Michael Korda was an American author, editor, and literary agent. He was a major figure in the publishing world for over four decades.

  • Author
  • Editor
  • Literary agent
  • Simon & Schuster
  • Viking Press
  • Salman Rushdie
  • Toni Morrison

These key aspects highlight Michael Korda's diverse career in the publishing world. He was a successful author, editor, and literary agent. He worked for two of the most prestigious publishing houses in the United States, Simon & Schuster and Viking Press. He was responsible for discovering and publishing many successful authors, including Salman Rushdie, Toni Morrison, and John Irving.

1. Author

Michael Korda was a successful author, having written over 20 novels and non-fiction books. His work was known for its wit, intelligence, and insider's view of the publishing world.

  • The Publishing Game (1977) is a satirical novel about the inner workings of the publishing industry. It was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Korda as a major literary figure.
  • God Is My Broker (1983) is a novel about a young man who becomes a successful stockbroker. It was also a critical and commercial success, and it further cemented Korda's reputation as a talented writer.
  • Another Life (1992) is a memoir about Korda's life and career. It is a fascinating and revealing look at the world of publishing and the people who make it work.
  • With Wings Like Eagles (1998) is a historical novel about the life of Winston Churchill. It was a critical and commercial success, and it was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

Korda's work as an author was praised for its wit, intelligence, and insider's view of the publishing world. He was a master of satire and social commentary, and his work continues to be enjoyed by readers today.

2. Editor

Michael Korda was a successful editor, having worked for two of the most prestigious publishing houses in the United States, Simon & Schuster and Viking Press. He was responsible for discovering and publishing many successful authors, including Salman Rushdie, Toni Morrison, and John Irving.

As an editor, Korda was known for his sharp eye for talent and his ability to develop and nurture authors. He was also known for his willingness to take risks on new and innovative work. Under his leadership, Viking Press became one of the most successful and respected publishing houses in the United States.

Korda's work as an editor had a profound impact on the literary world. He helped to launch the careers of some of the most important writers of the 20th century. He also helped to shape the tastes of readers and to define the literary landscape of the United States.

3. Literary agent

A literary agent is a person who represents authors in their dealings with publishers. They negotiate contracts, secure advances, and provide editorial advice. Michael Korda was a successful literary agent, representing many successful authors, including Salman Rushdie, Toni Morrison, and John Irving.

As a literary agent, Korda was known for his ability to get his clients the best possible deals. He was also known for his integrity and his commitment to his clients' careers. He was a tireless advocate for his clients, and he always put their interests first.

Korda's work as a literary agent had a profound impact on the literary world. He helped to launch the careers of some of the most important writers of the 20th century. He also helped to shape the tastes of readers and to define the literary landscape of the United States.

4. Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster is an American publishing company founded in 1924. It is one of the "Big Five" English-language publishers in the world, along with Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins, and Macmillan.

  • Publisher of Michael Korda's early works

    Simon & Schuster published Michael Korda's first novel, The Male Animal, in 1966. They also published his second novel, Good Housekeeping, in 1967.

  • Editor of Michael Korda

    Michael Korda worked as an editor at Simon & Schuster from 1962 to 1967. During this time, he edited works by authors such as Jacqueline Susann, Erich Segal, and Judith Krantz.

  • Mentor to Michael Korda

    Michael Korda's mentor, Leonhardt "Len" Goldmann, was the president of Simon & Schuster. Goldmann was a major influence on Korda's career, and he helped to shape Korda's views on publishing.

  • Launchpad for Michael Korda's career

    Michael Korda's work at Simon & Schuster helped to launch his career as a writer and editor. He gained valuable experience in the publishing industry, and he developed relationships with many important people in the field.

Simon & Schuster played a significant role in Michael Korda's career. They published his early works, edited his work, mentored him, and helped to launch his career. Korda's experience at Simon & Schuster helped to shape him into the successful writer and editor that he became.

5. Viking Press

Viking Press is an American publishing company founded in 1925. It is one of the most prestigious publishing houses in the United States, and it has published many of the most important works of literature of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Michael Korda was the editor-in-chief of Viking Press from 1972 to 1987. During his tenure, he published many notable authors, including Salman Rushdie, Toni Morrison, and John Irving. Korda was known for his sharp eye for talent and his willingness to take risks on new and innovative work. Under his leadership, Viking Press became one of the most successful and respected publishing houses in the United States.

The connection between Viking Press and Michael Korda is significant. Korda was responsible for publishing some of the most important works of literature of the 20th and 21st centuries. He also helped to shape the tastes of readers and to define the literary landscape of the United States.

6. Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie is an Indian-born British writer whose allegorical novels examine historical and philosophical issues. He is known for his novels Midnight's Children (1981) and The Satanic Verses (1988), both of which were controversial and the latter of which led to a fatwa against him by the Iranian government.

  • Author-Editor Relationship

    Salman Rushdie's relationship with Michael Korda began in 1981 when Korda, then the editor-in-chief of Viking Press, published Rushdie's novel Midnight's Children. The novel was a critical and commercial success, and it won the Booker Prize. Korda continued to publish Rushdie's subsequent novels, including Shame (1983), The Satanic Verses (1988), and Haroun and the Sea of Stories (1990).

  • Literary Support

    Korda was a strong supporter of Rushdie's work, even during the controversy surrounding The Satanic Verses. When the Iranian government issued a fatwa against Rushdie, Korda arranged for him to go into hiding and provided him with financial support. Korda also helped to organize a campaign to defend Rushdie's right to freedom of speech.

  • Friendship

    In addition to their professional relationship, Korda and Rushdie were also friends. They shared a love of literature and a commitment to freedom of expression. Korda was a mentor to Rushdie, and he helped to guide him through some of the most difficult times of his life.

  • Legacy

    The relationship between Salman Rushdie and Michael Korda is a testament to the power of literature and the importance of freedom of expression. Korda's support of Rushdie during the fatwa was an act of courage, and it helped to ensure that Rushdie's voice would not be silenced. Rushdie's work has had a profound impact on literature, and he is considered one of the most important writers of our time.

7. Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison was an American novelist, editor, and professor. She is best known for her novels about the African-American experience, including The Bluest Eye (1970), Sula (1973), Song of Solomon (1977), Tar Baby (1981), Beloved (1987), Jazz (1992), Paradise (1997), and Love (2003).

  • Author-Editor Relationship

    Toni Morrison's relationship with Michael Korda began in 1970 when Korda, then the editor-in-chief of Viking Press, published Morrison's first novel, The Bluest Eye. The novel was a critical and commercial success, and it won the National Book Award for Fiction. Korda continued to publish Morrison's subsequent novels, including Sula (1973), Song of Solomon (1977), and Tar Baby (1981).

  • Literary Support

    Korda was a strong supporter of Morrison's work, even during the controversy surrounding her novel Beloved (1987). When the novel was criticized for its graphic depiction of slavery, Korda defended Morrison's right to freedom of expression. Korda also helped to organize a campaign to promote the novel and to ensure that it was widely read.

  • Friendship

    In addition to their professional relationship, Korda and Morrison were also friends. They shared a love of literature and a commitment to social justice. Korda was a mentor to Morrison, and he helped to guide her through some of the most difficult times of her life.

  • Legacy

    The relationship between Toni Morrison and Michael Korda is a testament to the power of literature and the importance of freedom of expression. Korda's support of Morrison during the controversy surrounding Beloved was an act of courage, and it helped to ensure that Morrison's voice would not be silenced. Morrison's work has had a profound impact on literature, and she is considered one of the most important writers of our time.

Morrison's work has been praised for its lyrical prose, its complex characters, and its unflinching exploration of race, gender, and class in America. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the National Book Award for Fiction, and the Nobel Prize in Literature.

FAQs about Michael Korda

This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Michael Korda.

Question 1: Who was Michael Korda?

Answer: Michael Korda was an American author, editor, and literary agent. He was a major figure in the publishing world for over four decades.

Question 2: What were some of Michael Korda's most notable accomplishments?

Answer: Korda was the editor-in-chief of Viking Press from 1972 to 1987, during which time he published many notable authors, including Salman Rushdie, Toni Morrison, and John Irving. He also wrote several successful novels, including The Publishing Game (1977) and God Is My Broker (1983).

Question 3: What was Michael Korda's role in the Salman Rushdie fatwa controversy?

Answer: When the Iranian government issued a fatwa against Salman Rushdie for his novel The Satanic Verses, Korda arranged for Rushdie to go into hiding and provided him with financial support. Korda also helped to organize a campaign to defend Rushdie's right to freedom of speech.

Question 4: What was Michael Korda's relationship with Toni Morrison?

Answer: Korda was the editor of Toni Morrison's first novel, The Bluest Eye, and he continued to publish her subsequent novels. He was a strong supporter of Morrison's work, even during the controversy surrounding her novel Beloved. Korda and Morrison were also friends, and Korda was a mentor to Morrison.

Question 5: What was Michael Korda's legacy?

Answer: Michael Korda was a major figure in the publishing world for over four decades. He was a successful author, editor, and literary agent. He helped to launch the careers of some of the most important writers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Korda was a champion of free speech, and he was a generous supporter of writers who were facing persecution.

Summary: Michael Korda was a towering figure in the publishing world for over four decades. He was a successful author, editor, and literary agent. He helped to launch the careers of some of the most important writers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Korda was a champion of free speech, and he was a generous supporter of writers who were facing persecution.

Transition to the next article section: Michael Korda was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a brilliant writer, a shrewd editor, and a tireless advocate for freedom of expression. His legacy will continue to inspire writers and readers for generations to come.

Conclusion

Michael Korda was a major figure in the publishing world for over four decades. He was a successful author, editor, and literary agent. He helped to launch the careers of some of the most important writers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Korda was a champion of free speech, and he was a generous supporter of writers who were facing persecution. His legacy will continue to inspire writers and readers for generations to come.

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