Books Quote by Oscar Levant
““On Ira Gershwin: I remember when he was given the manuscript of a novel written by a woman friend who had hopes of having it published. To his astonishment it turned out to be the dirtiest, most pornographic book he had ever read. When the lady mentioned that she intended to use a nom de plume, Ira suggested she call herself Henrietta Miller.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1950s radio show, “The Oscar Levant Show”
Ira suggested a pseudonym to protect the author’s reputation.
In simple terms: He offered a name to hide identity.
Key Takeaway
Use pseudonyms to safeguard privacy.
Themes
privacy
authorship
literature
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
ethical
practical
When to use this quote
- publishing
- creative writing
- author anonymity
Key Concepts
ethics
identity protection
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a pseudonym appropriate?
- How does anonymity affect credibility?
A Different Perspective
Pseudonyms may limit personal recognition.
![“Ira [Gershwin] was the shyest, most diffident boy we had ever known. In a class of lower east side rapscallions, his soft-spoken gentleness and low-keyed personality made him a lovable incongruity. He spoke in murmurs, hiding behind a pair of steel-rimmed glasses..Ira had a kid brother who wore…” quote by Yip Harburg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/906/yip-harburg-20358_behinds_ira-gershwin-was-the-shyest-most-diffide_2038597.jpg)
