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אלתרמן: ביוגרפיה
הסיפור על אלתרמן הוא סיפורם של דור ושל תקופה: חיי היישוב מאז תחילת שנות השלושים, מאורעות תרצ"ו-תרצ"ט, מלחמת העולם השנייה, השואה, ימי המאבק וההעפלה, הקמת המדינה ומלחמת העצמאות, חיי היום־יום של מדינת ישראל, ובכלל זה סדרה של אירועי מפתח שעיצבו את צביונה. במשך כמעט ארבעים שנה היה מחברו של השיר המיתולוגי "מגש הכסף" לאחד ממנסחיה הרהוטים ביותר של רוח התקופה.
אלתרמן מגולל את עלילת חייו של נתן אלתרמן מאז לידתו בוורשה ב־1910, עלייתו לארץ עם הוריו ב־1925, שהייתו לצורכי לימודים בצרפת בשנים 1932-1929 וחזרתו אל עירו האהובה תל אביב, ששם דרך כוכבו ושבה קנה לו מעמד של משורר לאומי. אלתרמן הותיר אחריו עם מותו ב־1970 חלל ריק, וספק אם זה התמלא עד היום. הספר מפגיש את הקורא עם שירתו הענפה, עם המחזות שכתב ועם אלה שתרגם, עם "הטור השביעי", מדור הקבע שלו בעיתון דבר וכן עם שירי הזמר והפזמונים פרי עטו, דוגמת "כלניות" או "אליפלט", שלא נס לֵחם עד עצם היום הזה.
ספרו המתועד להפליא של דן לאור מגולל פרשת חיים מרתקת וחושף לפני אלפי קוראיו של המשורר הנערץ את סודות קסמיו.
תחקיר תמונות: ערן ליטוין
אלתרמן מגולל את עלילת חייו של נתן אלתרמן מאז לידתו בוורשה ב־1910, עלייתו לארץ עם הוריו ב־1925, שהייתו לצורכי לימודים בצרפת בשנים 1932-1929 וחזרתו אל עירו האהובה תל אביב, ששם דרך כוכבו ושבה קנה לו מעמד של משורר לאומי. אלתרמן הותיר אחריו עם מותו ב־1970 חלל ריק, וספק אם זה התמלא עד היום. הספר מפגיש את הקורא עם שירתו הענפה, עם המחזות שכתב ועם אלה שתרגם, עם "הטור השביעי", מדור הקבע שלו בעיתון דבר וכן עם שירי הזמר והפזמונים פרי עטו, דוגמת "כלניות" או "אליפלט", שלא נס לֵחם עד עצם היום הזה.
ספרו המתועד להפליא של דן לאור מגולל פרשת חיים מרתקת וחושף לפני אלפי קוראיו של המשורר הנערץ את סודות קסמיו.
תחקיר תמונות: ערן ליטוין
912 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
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January 12, 2025
In "אלתרמן" by דן לאור, we are treated to a meticulous exploration of the life and times of Nathan Alterman, a luminary in Hebrew poetry. The biography traces Alterman's journey from his birthplace in Kishinev to his rise as a celebrated poet in Israel. Notably, the book highlights his seminal work, "כוכבים בחוץ," which marked a revolutionary moment in Hebrew literature. Alterman's poetic prowess is showcased through his rich imagery and themes, capturing the essence of urban life and existential musings. His time in Paris, where he studied agronomy, and his subsequent return to Tel Aviv in 1932, are pivotal moments that shaped his literary voice.
However, the biography doesn't shy away from the more tumultuous aspects of Alterman's life. דן לאור paints a candid picture of Alterman's personal struggles, including his complex relationships with his wife, Rachel Marcus, and his mistress, Tsila Binder. The account reveals the poet's bouts with alcoholism and the emotional turmoil that often accompanied his creative genius. His involvement with the literary circle "Together" and his contributions to the vaudeville theatre "The Broom" are also explored, shedding light on his multifaceted career. Alterman's relationship with David Ben-Gurion is particularly noteworthy, as the Prime Minister admired Alterman's moral clarity and even distributed copies of his poem "About This" among IDF soldiers. His stance during the Altalena Affair, where he supported Ben-Gurion's decision to fire on the ship to prevent a civil war, further underscores his complex political engagements. Alterman's reaction to the Lavon Affair, where he expressed dismay at Ben-Gurion's resignation, highlights his deep involvement in the political discourse of his time. His influential "Seventh Column" in the newspaper "Davar" provided a platform for his poetic commentary on contemporary issues, blending the roles of poet, prophet, and political commentator. Alterman's immense influence on Israeli theater is also evident through his work with The Broom, Li La Lo, and The Cameri Theatre, where he collaborated with notable figures like Shoshana Damari and Yehoram Gaon. His translations of Shakespeare and Molière, along with his own plays, further cemented his legacy in the cultural landscape.
The biography also explores Alterman's tragic relationship with his daughter, Tirzah Atar. Atar, a poet and songwriter in her own right, struggled with her own demons, which were exacerbated by her father's tumultuous life. Her untimely death at the age of 36, under mysterious circumstances, profoundly affected Alterman's later years. This relationship, marked by both profound love and deep sorrow, adds another layer of complexity to Alterman's personal narrative.
Alterman's collection "שמחת עניים," published in 1941, is considered one of his most significant works. Written in a biblical-like language, it consists of seven sections with numerous poems where the narrator (the "dead") addresses his beloved (the "daughter"). The collection is known for its enigmatic and complex themes, often interpreted as a reflection on the Jewish historical experience and the existential struggle during the Shoah and World War II. The poems explore the tension between life and death, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Another significant work, "עיר היונה," published in 1957, captures the zeitgeist of the early years of the State of Israel. This collection reflects on the challenges and triumphs of the nascent state, blending historical events with philosophical musings. The poems in "עיר היונה" address themes of nation-building, collective memory, and the moral dilemmas faced by a society emerging from the ashes of the Shoah. Alterman's ability to intertwine personal and national narratives in this collection underscores his role as a poet deeply engaged with the cultural and political fabric of his time.
Alterman's relationship with Natan Zach, a prominent Israeli poet, was marked by both admiration and critique. Zach, known for his subversive and modernist approach, challenged the established norms of Hebrew poetry, which were heavily influenced by Alterman. In his 1959 article "Reflections Upon Nathan Alterman's Poetry," Zach criticized Alterman's poetics, advocating for simplicity and clarity in themes and diction. Despite their differences, both poets contributed significantly to the evolution of Hebrew literature.
Alterman's plays also hold a significant place in his oeuvre. "כנרת כנרת," written in 1961, is a historical drama that explores the early days of the Degania Alef kibbutz, blending fictional and historical elements to capture the pioneering spirit of the time. "פונדק הרוחות," another notable play, delves into themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, showcasing Alterman's versatility as a playwright.
While דן לאור's biography is comprehensive, it occasionally skirts around the more uncomfortable truths. The book's reticence in fully addressing Alterman's destructive behaviors and their impact on his family might leave some readers yearning for a more unvarnished account. Nonetheless, "אלתרמן" remains a compelling read, offering a rich account of the poet's life, interwoven with the cultural and historical context of his era. The darker shades of Alterman's life that are included add depth to the portrayal, presenting him as a multifaceted individual whose personal demons were as significant as his public triumphs. His influential columns in "Haaretz" and "Davar," his poem "Silver Platter," and his receipt of the Bialik Prize for literature in 1957 are significant milestones that underscore his enduring legacy. The biography captures both his brilliance and his flaws with a deft touch.
מרתק, רצוף בציטוטים יפהפיים, מעוטר באנקדוטות נשכחות, ארוך ארוך אך עדיין קצר מדי. נפלא
However, the biography doesn't shy away from the more tumultuous aspects of Alterman's life. דן לאור paints a candid picture of Alterman's personal struggles, including his complex relationships with his wife, Rachel Marcus, and his mistress, Tsila Binder. The account reveals the poet's bouts with alcoholism and the emotional turmoil that often accompanied his creative genius. His involvement with the literary circle "Together" and his contributions to the vaudeville theatre "The Broom" are also explored, shedding light on his multifaceted career. Alterman's relationship with David Ben-Gurion is particularly noteworthy, as the Prime Minister admired Alterman's moral clarity and even distributed copies of his poem "About This" among IDF soldiers. His stance during the Altalena Affair, where he supported Ben-Gurion's decision to fire on the ship to prevent a civil war, further underscores his complex political engagements. Alterman's reaction to the Lavon Affair, where he expressed dismay at Ben-Gurion's resignation, highlights his deep involvement in the political discourse of his time. His influential "Seventh Column" in the newspaper "Davar" provided a platform for his poetic commentary on contemporary issues, blending the roles of poet, prophet, and political commentator. Alterman's immense influence on Israeli theater is also evident through his work with The Broom, Li La Lo, and The Cameri Theatre, where he collaborated with notable figures like Shoshana Damari and Yehoram Gaon. His translations of Shakespeare and Molière, along with his own plays, further cemented his legacy in the cultural landscape.
The biography also explores Alterman's tragic relationship with his daughter, Tirzah Atar. Atar, a poet and songwriter in her own right, struggled with her own demons, which were exacerbated by her father's tumultuous life. Her untimely death at the age of 36, under mysterious circumstances, profoundly affected Alterman's later years. This relationship, marked by both profound love and deep sorrow, adds another layer of complexity to Alterman's personal narrative.
Alterman's collection "שמחת עניים," published in 1941, is considered one of his most significant works. Written in a biblical-like language, it consists of seven sections with numerous poems where the narrator (the "dead") addresses his beloved (the "daughter"). The collection is known for its enigmatic and complex themes, often interpreted as a reflection on the Jewish historical experience and the existential struggle during the Shoah and World War II. The poems explore the tension between life and death, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Another significant work, "עיר היונה," published in 1957, captures the zeitgeist of the early years of the State of Israel. This collection reflects on the challenges and triumphs of the nascent state, blending historical events with philosophical musings. The poems in "עיר היונה" address themes of nation-building, collective memory, and the moral dilemmas faced by a society emerging from the ashes of the Shoah. Alterman's ability to intertwine personal and national narratives in this collection underscores his role as a poet deeply engaged with the cultural and political fabric of his time.
Alterman's relationship with Natan Zach, a prominent Israeli poet, was marked by both admiration and critique. Zach, known for his subversive and modernist approach, challenged the established norms of Hebrew poetry, which were heavily influenced by Alterman. In his 1959 article "Reflections Upon Nathan Alterman's Poetry," Zach criticized Alterman's poetics, advocating for simplicity and clarity in themes and diction. Despite their differences, both poets contributed significantly to the evolution of Hebrew literature.
Alterman's plays also hold a significant place in his oeuvre. "כנרת כנרת," written in 1961, is a historical drama that explores the early days of the Degania Alef kibbutz, blending fictional and historical elements to capture the pioneering spirit of the time. "פונדק הרוחות," another notable play, delves into themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, showcasing Alterman's versatility as a playwright.
While דן לאור's biography is comprehensive, it occasionally skirts around the more uncomfortable truths. The book's reticence in fully addressing Alterman's destructive behaviors and their impact on his family might leave some readers yearning for a more unvarnished account. Nonetheless, "אלתרמן" remains a compelling read, offering a rich account of the poet's life, interwoven with the cultural and historical context of his era. The darker shades of Alterman's life that are included add depth to the portrayal, presenting him as a multifaceted individual whose personal demons were as significant as his public triumphs. His influential columns in "Haaretz" and "Davar," his poem "Silver Platter," and his receipt of the Bialik Prize for literature in 1957 are significant milestones that underscore his enduring legacy. The biography captures both his brilliance and his flaws with a deft touch.
מרתק, רצוף בציטוטים יפהפיים, מעוטר באנקדוטות נשכחות, ארוך ארוך אך עדיין קצר מדי. נפלא
Displaying 1 of 1 review