Robert Alter
Robert Alter (Robert Bernard Alter) was born in 1935 and is currently 91 years old. Alter attended Columbia University where he received a Bachelor's degree in English and Harvard University where he received a Master's degree and a doctorate in comparative literature.
Robert Alter is best known as a biblical translator and scholar who is responsible for many critically acclaimed commentaries and translations of the
Hebrew Bible. Aside from his work as a translator, he is also a
University of California professor of comparative literature and Hebrew.
Alter embarked on his career as a contributing editor for
Commentary, which he did for many years. Over the years, he penned nearly two dozen books, including a translation of the
Hebrew Bible.
One of Robert Alter’s most remarkable contributions to translation is his introduction of the type scene into modern studies of the
Hebrew Bible. Outside of that, he has also been a member of the
Association of Literary Scholars and Critics president and a member of the
Library of Congress Council of Scholars.
In 2009, he won a
Lifetime Contribution to America Robert Kirsch Award from the
Los Angeles Times. In 2010, he was also awarded a
Yale University honorary degree in the humanities before
Hebrew University granted him a Doctor Honoris Causa in 2015.
In 1975, Robert Alter published
Partial Magic in which the author does a radical revision of our understanding of the genre of the novel. Going against contemporary understanding, Alter asserts that the novel as a genre from the very early days has been more philosophical and playful despite current critical notions that see it as more of a very serious endeavor.
Robert Alter published
The World of Biblical Literature in 1978. The work is a collection of essays in which he asserts that the bible is a unique literary production but this does not mean that we cannot use tools of literary analysis in analyzing it as a work of literature. What is important is to keep in mind that the bible needs to be read by taking into account its transmission, the historical environment, redaction, and composition.
Related Authors
Fans of Robert Alter also enjoy these authors:
- J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter Series.
- Jane Austen, author of: Pride and Prejudice.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of: The Great Gatsby.
- Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
- Agatha Christie, author of: And Then There Were None / Ten Little Indians.
Robert Alter: F.A.Q
When was Robert Alter Born? How old is Robert Alter?
Robert Alter was born in 1935. Robert Alter is currently 91 years old.
What was the first book Robert Alter wrote?
The first book written by Robert Alter was Rogue's Progress, published in 1964.
What was the most recent book Robert Alter wrote?
His most recently released work was Amos Oz on September 26th, 2023.
What is the most popular book by Robert Alter?
Based on the number of readers on Book Notification, the most popular Robert Alter book is
The David Story. Here are his most popular books and their average ratings:
- The David Story (4.00)
Are there upcoming new books by Robert Alter?
Robert Alter does not have any upcoming books with a set publication date within the next few months at this time.
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How many books has Robert Alter written?
Robert Alter has written 33 books excluding contributions to anthologies. 29 Non-Fiction Books, 1 book in the Franz Rosenzweig Lecture Series, 1 book in the Harvard Studies in Comparative Literature Series, 1 book in the Jewish Lives Series, 1 book in the Samuel and Athea Stroum Lectures in Jewish Studies Series.