The publication of the 1920 essay The Explanation of Sumatra established the framework for Sumatraism, a core component of the early avant-garde movement in Serbian literature. Miloš Crnjanski transitioned from a soldier wounded on the Galician front during World War I to a prolific writer, journalist, and diplomat whose output spanned poetry, drama, and historical novels.
Early Life and War Service
Born in 1893 in Csongrád, Crnjanski moved to Timișoara in 1896. After attending the Nikolaus Lenau Theoretical High School and the export academy in Fiume, he began studies in Vienna by 1913. His education was interrupted by the outbreak of World War I, during which he faced persecution for his Serbian background. Conscripted into the Austro-Hungarian Army, he fought on the Galician front until he was wounded in 1915, later serving on the Italian front.
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Following the war, Crnjanski completed his studies at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Philosophy in 1922. He became a significant figure in Serbian journalism, writing for periodicals such as Ideje, Politika, and Vreme. His early literary works, including Lyrics of Ithaca and The Journal of Carnojevic, reflected the disillusionment and futility of wartime experience. Throughout the 1920s, he published travelogues and essays, further establishing his influence within modernism.
Diplomatic Tenure and Exile
Crnjanski entered the diplomatic corps of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, serving in Germany from 1935 to 1938 and Italy from 1939 to 1941. Forced into exile by World War II, he eventually settled in London, where he worked various jobs and served as a correspondent for the Argentinian periodical El economist. During these two decades away from home, he produced significant works such as the second volume of Migrations and the poem Lament over Belgrade.
Return and Final Works
In 1965, Crnjanski returned to Belgrade. The later stage of his life saw the compilation of his collected works and the publication of the novel A Novel of London, for which he received the NIN Prize in 1971. He was also awarded the Dis prize in 1973. Crnjanski died in Belgrade in 1977 at the age of 84 and was buried in the Alley of Distinguished Citizens.
Fast facts
- Born: 1893, Csongrád
- Died: 30 November 1977, Belgrade
- Notable work: Migrations
- Award: NIN Prize (1971)
- Literary movement: Expressionism
- Burial site: Alley of Distinguished Citizens
- Primary languages: Serbian and Croatian
- Diplomatic posts: Germany and Italy
Questions readers ask
What were Crnjanski's major novels?
His primary novels include The Journal of Carnojevic, Migrations, the second book of Migrations, and A Novel of London.
Did Crnjanski return to his homeland before he died?
Yes, he returned to Belgrade in 1965 after spending 20 years in exile.
Achievements
- Notable work: A Novel about London
- Notable work: Migrations
- Notable work: The Journal of Carnojevic
- Educated at University of Vienna, University of Belgrade Faculty of Philosophy and Piarist High School, Timișoara
- Worked as poet, diplomat and journalist
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