József Eötvös
Baron József Eötvös as a writer and politician of great renown, he was one of the leaders of the
movement for reform.
The Politician
Due to his eminence in the political field, he was elected minister of
religion and education in the first independent government of Hungary after the revolution.
Eötvös, the reformer, was appalled by the violent path taken during the struggle for
independence, and escaped with his family, only returning to Hungary in 1850. During his
period abroad he interested himself primarily in matters of state and philosophy. On returning
home he strove to establish peace between Hungary and the ruling power. This policy did not at
first gain undivided support. During the fifteen years that followed, the supporters of agreement
managed to achieve a compromise. As a result in the Hungarian government established in
1867, the Ministry of Religion and Education was again awarded to József Eötvös.
The Writer
He started his literary career by sentimental poems and dramas. In his first significant
work ( The Charthausian, 1841 ) he writes about his age with strong social criticism.
His anti feudal roman ( The Notary of the Village, 1845 ) is the first
outstanding piece of the Hungarian critical realism. His political studies and pamphlets
are also significant.
In recognition of his literary work, József Eötvös became associate member of the
Academy in 1835, a full member in 1839 and in 1866 he was elected president.
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