Gertrude Stein

Gertrude Stein (February 3, 1874 – July 27, 1946) was a noted American art collector of seminal modernist paintings and an experimental writer of novels, poetry and plays, which eschewed the narrative, linear, and temporal conventions of 19th century literature. She moved to Paris in 1903, making France her home for the remainder of her life. For some forty years, the Stein home on the Left Bank of Paris would become a renowned Saturday evening gathering place for expatriate American artists and writers, and others noteworthy in the world of vanguard arts and letters. Entrée and membership in the Stein salon was a sought-after validation, signifying that Stein had recognized a talent worthy of inclusion into a rarefied group of gifted artists. Stein became combination mentor, critic, and guru to those who gathered around her. A self-defined "genius", she was described as an imposing figure with a commanding manner whose inordinate self-confidence could intimidate. Among her coterie she was referred to as “Le Stein” and with less laudatory deference as “The Presence.”

In 1933, Stein published the memoirs of her Paris years titled The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, which became a literary bestseller. The advent of this book elevated Stein from the relative obscurity of cult literary figure, into the light of mainstream attention.

Near the end of her life Stein pronounced: "I always wanted to be historical from almost a baby on, I felt that way about it..."

Read more about Gertrude Stein:  Early Life, Art Collection, 27 Rue De Fleurus: The Stein Salon, Literary Style, Literary Career, Alice B.Toklas, Political Views, Stein During World War II, Death, Critical Reception of Stein As Writer, Legacy and Commemoration, Published Works, Related Exhibits

Famous quotes by gertrude stein:

    It is extraordinary that when you are acquainted with a whole family you can forget about them.
    Gertrude Stein (1874–1946)

    Family living can go on existing. Very many are
    remembering this thing are remembering that family
    living living can go on existing. Very many are quite
    certain that family living can go on existing. Very
    many are remembering that they are quite certain that
    family living can go on existing.
    Gertrude Stein (1874–1946)

    In the United States there is more space where nobody is is than where anybody is.
    Gertrude Stein (1874–1946)

    A beauty is not suddenly in a circle. It comes with rapture. A great deal of beauty is rapture. A circle is a necessity. Otherwise you would see no one. We each have our circle.
    Gertrude Stein (1874–1946)

    Ezra Pound still lives in a village and his world is a kind of village and people keep explaining things when they live in a village.... I have come not to mind if certain people live in villages and some of my friends still appear to live in villages and a village can be cozy as well as intuitive but must one really keep perpetually explaining and elucidating?
    Gertrude Stein (1874–1946)