Romanian literature was perhaps richest and most various in its achievements during the period between the world wars. Ion Pillat had much to do with this renewal and growth, not only through his own writings but also through his influence in the cultural and political power centers of the country. In a way he symbolized better than other writers the societal intentions of the interwar period: to weld local tones and imagery as closely as possible with internationally accepted values and styles.

Ion Pillat was born on 31 March 1891 in Bucharest into one of the strongest and most influential political clans of the country. His mother, Maria, was a Bratianu, daughter and sister of prime ministers. Her family had played a decisive role in the liberal revolution of 1848, in choosing Romania's monarchic dynasty, in gaining the country's independence, and in achieving national unity at the end of World War...