Worth Another Look
The 1950s were an amazing decade for literature, but many talented writers from this era still remain unfamiliar to modern readers, especially in America. While many of these writers have earned awards, accomplishments, and praise from critics, they're not recognized enough to receive mainstream attention. Here are just five authors from the 1950s who deserve more attention.
1. Antonio Di Benedetto
Argentine author Antonio Di Benedetto published his best-known novel, Zama, in 1956, which follows a colonial official whose professional ambitions and personal frustrations gradually consume his life. It's sad knowing that Di Benedetto was overlooked internationally for decades throughout his life, but Zama is now widely regarded as an important work of Spanish-language literature.
2. Martin A. Hansen
Danish writer Martin A. Hansen wrote novels, essays, and short stories like his 1950 novel The Liar, which examines guilt, faith, dishonesty, and personal responsibility within a small island community. Hansen earned major literary honors in Denmark, yet few in North America likely recognize his name.
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3. Zenna Henderson
Zenna Henderson began publishing science fiction in 1951 while continuing her career as an elementary school teacher. She even received a Hugo Award nomination in 1959, but sadly, most book readers aren't familiar with her work or name.
4. Edgar Mittelholzer
Guyanese novelist Edgar Mittelholzer was one of the earliest professional authors to emerge from the English-speaking Caribbean. Throughout the 1950s, he published ambitious novels on important topics that addressed race, social status, colonialism, and more. His large body of work helped expand Caribbean literature, but he unfortunately doesn't have widespread recognition here in America.
5. Margaret Millar
Canadian-American author Margaret Millar specialized in intriguing mysteries that combined the best of psychology and character development. Her 1955 novel Beast in View won the Edgar Award for Best Novel, but despite her accomplishments, she’s frequently overshadowed by her husband, fellow crime writer Ross Macdonald.
