# Attila József

> Hungarian poet (1905–1937)

**Wikidata**: [Q313359](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313359)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attila_József)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/attila-jozsef

## Summary
Attila József was a prominent Hungarian poet and writer who lived from 1905 to 1937. He is recognized as a major literary figure in Hungary, associated with the influential *Nyugat* journal and honored posthumously with the Kossuth Prize and the József Attila Prize. His life and work are deeply connected to Hungarian cultural institutions, including the University of Szeged and the former Franz Joseph University.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 11, 1905
- **Nationality**: Hungarian (Citizenship: Hungary)
- **Education**: Educated at the University of Szeged and Franz Joseph University
- **Known for**: Poetry and literary writing within the Hungarian tradition
- **Employer(s)**: Affiliated with the University of Szeged
- **Field(s)**: Poetry, Literature

## Contributions
Attila József's primary contribution to culture was his body of work as a poet and writer, which established him as a central figure in 20th-century Hungarian literature. While specific titles of individual poems or books are not detailed in the provided source material, his association with the literary journal *Nyugat* (founded in 1908) indicates his active participation in the journal's mission to modernize Hungarian letters. His legacy is cemented through the establishment of the József Attila Prize in 1950, a Hungarian literary award created in his honor to recognize excellence in the field. His work is preserved and cataloged under the identifier "Attila József" in major international library systems, ensuring the accessibility of his literary output to scholars and the public.

## FAQs
**What was Attila József's primary profession?**
Attila József was a Hungarian poet and writer, known for using written words to produce literary works and communicate ideas. He is classified specifically as a member of the human species who dedicated his life to the art of poetry.

**Which educational institutions was Attila József associated with?**
He received his education at the University of Szeged, a university in Hungary founded in 1921. He was also connected to the Franz Joseph University, a former institution that operated from 1872 to 1945 and was historically located in Kolozsvár before moving to Szeged.

**What awards have been named after or received by Attila József?**
The József Attila Prize, a Hungarian literary award, was established in 1950 to honor his legacy. Additionally, he is associated with the Kossuth Prize, a significant award in Hungary, and the Baumgarten Prize, another literary award in the country.

**How is Attila József identified in international databases?**
He is identified by numerous authority IDs across global library systems, including the Library of Congress (n50038830), the GND (11855851X), and the ISNI (0000000083739388). His name is also linked to the asteroid 39971 József, reflecting his cultural significance.

## Why They Matter
Attila József matters because his work as a poet helped shape the modern Hungarian literary landscape during the early 20th century. His connection to *Nyugat*, a journal that defined a generation of Hungarian writers, places him at the heart of a cultural movement that bridged traditional and modernist sensibilities. The creation of the József Attila Prize in 1950 demonstrates the enduring value placed on his contributions, ensuring that his influence continues to inspire new generations of writers. Without his work, the specific trajectory of Hungarian poetry in the 1920s and 1930s would lack a key voice, and the literary awards system in Hungary would be missing a prestigious honor named after one of its most celebrated figures.

## Notable For
- **Poetic Legacy**: Recognized as a defining Hungarian poet of the 20th century (1905–1937).
- **Literary Associations**: A key figure linked to the *Nyugat* literary journal, a cornerstone of Hungarian modernism.
- **Posthumous Honors**: The namesake of the József Attila Prize, established in 1950 to honor Hungarian literary achievement.
- **Academic Connections**: Educated at the University of Szeged and associated with the historic Franz Joseph University.
- **Awards Recognition**: Associated with the Kossuth Prize and the Baumgarten Prize, two of Hungary's most significant literary awards.
- **Cultural Symbolism**: Honored by the naming of asteroid 39971 József in his memory.
- **International Cataloging**: Extensively indexed in global authority files, including the Library of Congress, GND, and VIAF.

## Body
### Early Life and Identity
Attila József was born on April 11, 1905, and passed away on December 3, 1937. He was a Hungarian citizen, a member of the human species, and identified professionally as a poet and writer. His life spanned a critical period in Hungarian history, from the early 20th century through the interwar years. He is categorized as an instance of a human being and a person who writes poetry. His name is also recorded in various forms, including "Attila Jozsef" and "József Attila," reflecting the linguistic nuances of his native language.

### Education and Academic Affiliations
József's educational background included time at the University of Szeged, a major institution in Hungary that was founded on October 9, 1921. He was also connected to the Franz Joseph University, a historical institution that was originally established in 1872 in Kolozsvár (now Cluj-Napoca) and later moved to Szeged. The Franz Joseph University operated until its dissolution in May 1945, serving as a significant academic center in the region during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the subsequent interwar period. These affiliations place József within a rich academic tradition in Central Europe.

### Literary Career and Associations
As a writer and poet, József was closely associated with *Nyugat*, a Hungarian literary journal that began publication on January 1, 1908. This journal was a pivotal platform for modernist literature in Hungary. His work is recognized within the broader context of Hungarian literature, and he is linked to the József Attila Prize, an award established in 1950 to honor his contributions. The prize serves as a testament to his lasting impact on the literary field. His career is further distinguished by his association with the Kossuth Prize and the Baumgarten Prize, both of which are significant literary awards in Hungary.

### Recognition and Legacy
Attila József's legacy is preserved through numerous international identifiers and cataloging systems. He holds the Library of Congress Authority ID n50038830, the GND ID 11855851X, and the ISNI 0000000083739388. His name is also associated with the asteroid 39971 József, a celestial body named in his honor. The Wikimedia Commons category "Attila József" contains visual documentation of his life, including images such as "Homonnai József Attila.jpg" and "Plaque Attila József, 4 rue du Vieux-Colombier, Paris 6.jpg." His presence is noted in various library systems, including the National Library of Greece, the National Library of Israel, and the German National Library.

### Cultural Impact and Historical Context
József's life and work are set against the backdrop of Hungary's complex 20th-century history. His association with the University of Szeged and the Franz Joseph University reflects the shifting geopolitical landscape of Central Europe, particularly the transition from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the interwar period and beyond. The establishment of the József Attila Prize in 1950, after his death, highlights the enduring respect for his literary contributions. His work continues to be studied and celebrated, with his name appearing in multiple languages and cultural contexts, from the Hungarian "József Attila" to the German "Attila József."

### Administrative and Archival Details
The data surrounding Attila József is extensive, with over 49 sitelinks across various language editions of Wikipedia. He is identified by the Wikidata ID Q435030 and the Freebase ID /m/037wpc. His works are cataloged under the Open Library IDs OL4547825A, OL6385582A, and OL30053A. The Hungarian Heritage Award is also associated with his legacy, further cementing his status as a national cultural icon. His life and work are documented in the PIM (Petőfi Literary Museum) database under the ID PIM59579.

### Global Presence and Digital Footprint
Attila József's digital footprint is significant, with entries in the VIAF database (IDs 193053676 and 123522900) and the ISNI database. He is listed in the Museum Digital ID 87473 and the Yale LUX ID group/e788ccb7-e185-4bd3-8b5a-c87c98c4c072. His name appears in the British Library's National Bibliographic Database and the National Library of Australia. The sheer volume of identifiers and references underscores his importance as a subject of academic and cultural study. His legacy is not confined to Hungary but extends globally through these international archival systems.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. Archivio Storico Ricordi
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. The Fine Art Archive
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. CiNii Research
8. MusicBrainz
9. Find a Grave
10. International Music Score Library Project
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
13. GeneaStar
14. Proleksis Encyclopedia
15. Munzinger Personen
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Czech National Authority Database
18. CONOR.SI
19. Autoritats UB
20. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
21. Enciclopedia Treccani
22. LIBRIS. 2018
23. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute