Kathrine Kressmann Taylor
Kathrine Kressmann Taylor, or Kressmann Taylor, was an American author born in 1903 in Portland, Oregon. She is best known for her book 'Address Unknown' (1938), which was published under the name Kressmann Taylor, a decision by her publisher who thought the book’s impact would be enhanced if readers assumed the author was a man. The book is a series of fictional letters between a Jewish art dealer living in San Francisco and his business partner, who returns to Germany during the 1930s. The story reveals the chilling transformation of the latter under the influence of Nazism.
Kressmann Taylor’s work was a significant contribution to American literature, particularly in its exploration of the rise of Nazism and its effects on personal relationships and moral dilemmas. 'Address Unknown' was initially published in Story magazine and immediately caused a sensation for its stark portrayal of Nazi atrocities and the power of personal betrayal. It has been translated into multiple languages and adapted into various formats, including a play and a film, demonstrating its lasting impact.
After the success of 'Address Unknown', Taylor continued to write but never achieved similar fame with her subsequent works. She taught journalism and creative writing at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania until her retirement. Kathrine Kressmann Taylor passed away in 1996, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be studied and appreciated for its courage and insight into one of the darkest periods of human history.