Eight books of essays and seven collections of poetry comprise the primary literary output of Marta Petreu, a Romanian writer born in Jucu in 1955. Operating under the birth name Rodica Marta Vartic, she maintains an active academic presence at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca while serving as the editor of the monthly publication Apostrof.
Academic and Editorial Work
Based in Cluj-Napoca, Petreu balances a career as a professor of philosophy with extensive editorial responsibilities. Her role at the helm of the magazine Apostrof serves as a focal point for her engagement with contemporary Romanian literary and intellectual life. Within the university setting, she focuses on the intersection of philosophical inquiry and historical analysis.
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Much of Petreu's scholarly work examines the complex political shifts within her home country. She gained particular recognition for her historical investigation of fascism in Romania, specifically through her 1999 book An Infamous Past: E. M. Cioran and the Rise of Fascism in Romania. This work critically assessed the controversial stances held by Emil Cioran, highlighting the tensions between philosophical thought and political radicalism.
Published Works
Petreu’s bibliography spans diverse genres, including literary criticism, historical essays, and fiction. Her essay contributions include Teze neterminate (1991), Jocurile manierismului logic (1995), Ionescu în ţara tatălui (2001), and Filosofia lui Caragiale (2003). Her later research into political history is represented by the 2021 work regarding the period between legionnaires and communists. Additionally, she has authored two novels, Acasă, pe cîmpia Armaghedonului published in 2011, and Supa de la miezul nopţii, which appeared in 2017. Her poetry has reached international audiences through bilingual anthologies, such as the 2019 Testament: 400 Years of Romanian Poetry and the 2020 volume Romanian Poetry from its Origins to the Present.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Jucu, Romania
- Legal name: Rodica Marta Vartic
- Academic affiliation: Babeș-Bolyai University
- Editor: Apostrof magazine
- Primary fields: Philosophy, poetry, literary criticism
- Notable work: An Infamous Past: E. M. Cioran and the Rise of Fascism in Romania (1999)
Questions readers ask
What is Marta Petreu's birth name?
She was born Rodica Crisan, and her name is recorded as Rodica Marta Vartic.
Is Marta Petreu primarily a philosopher or a writer?
She operates in both capacities, holding a professorship in philosophy while having published multiple volumes of essays, poetry, and novels.
Achievements
- Held posts at Babeș-Bolyai University
- Fields: essay
