Carl Jonas

Carl S. Jonas (22 May 19131 October 1976) was an American author, journalist, and educator best known for his 1952 novel Jefferson Selleck which was a finalist for the National Book Award. His work often explored Midwestern life, personal identity, and the search for meaning.

Early life and education Jonas was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1913, the son of surgeon Dr. August F. Jonas, who had settled in Omaha in 1889.

After graduating in 1936, Jonas spent nearly a year traveling around the world. He bicycled across Europe, traveled to India in steerage, and continued on to China, first as a deckhand and later again in steerage. Although his mother had given him money intended for a summer in Europe, he stretched it into a global journey.

Career

Early writing years Jonas began his writing career at the Omaha World-Herald, initially working without pay before eventually being compensated by the inch of printed copy and later receiving a regular salary. In 1944, he published an article in the Saturday Evening Post titled My First Day on Tarawa, recounting the capture of the Japanese outpost. During his Coast Guard service, he also wrote his first novel, Beachhead on the Wind.

Later career as author/educator Jonas continued writing novels. In 1957, he also began teaching English at the Municipal University of Omaha (later the University of Nebraska Omaha).

Many of Jonas' novels were set in the American Midwest, often in the city of Gateway, which was believed to be a fictionalized version of Omaha, Nebraska.

Reviewing the novel Lillian White Deer in the New York Times, Conrad Knickerbocker stated that the work "contains enough material for good fiction — even though too much of it reads like a first draft". Knickerbocker also stated that Jonas will be remembered for his previous work Jefferson Selleck, "a far better novel."

In 1974, as his health declined due to emphysema, Jonas began writing a nostalgic column for the Omaha World-Herald titled The View from Pigeon Bend.

Personal life Jonas married Lydia Tukey in 1946. During their marriage, he divided his time between their home in Aspen, Colorado and Omaha. The couple later divorced.

In 1962, he married Edith Marie (Larsen) Louis, widow of Karl Louis Sr. She was active in civic affairs. The following year, they built a glass-walled A-frame home on a 60-acre property north of Omaha. Through his will, he later left additional land to the association, including his home. The access road was named Edith Marie Avenue in honor of his late wife.