Egon Erwin Kisch, the Raging Reporter

Egon Erwin Kisch (1885-1948) is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding journalists of the twentieth century. He is also credited with virtually defining reportage as a form of literary art in which accuracy of observation and fidelity to facts combine with creative narrative. Restless, doggedly inquisitive, fascinated with the unusual, deeply committed to decency and justice in human affairs, Kisch pursued a life of worldwide adventure and reporting. He visited North Africa, the Soviet Union, Central Asia, Australia, China, and the United States, where he traveled from one coast to the other as an ordinary seaman, made friends with Charlie Chaplin and Upton Sinclair, and commented with wit and irony on American life.