Robert Adams: A Legacy of Scholarship and Translation
The academic world remembers Robert Adams as a distinguished scholar, educator, and translator whose contributions spanned several of America's most prestigious universities. Born into a family of intellectual and artistic achievement, Adams dedicated his life to the pursuit of literary excellence and the preservation of classical texts for modern audiences.
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Born in New York City in 1915 as Robert Martin Krapp, Adams was immersed in a creative and scholarly environment from birth. He was the son of George Philip Krapp, a professor of English at Columbia University, and the grandson of Carl Frederick von Saltza, a Swedish painter. This artistic lineage continued through his uncle, the muralist Philip von Saltza.
Adams pursued his higher education at Columbia University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts (M.A.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Following his service in the army during World War II, he transitioned into his professional identity by changing his name to Robert Adams.
A Distinguished Career in Academia
Adams' teaching career began with appointments at Columbia, Rutgers, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In 1950, he joined the faculty at Cornell University, where he influenced a generation of scholars, including Stanley Corngold, who would later become a renowned Kafka scholar and professor at Princeton University.
In 1968, Adams moved to the West Coast to join the faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he remained until his retirement in 1979.
Literary Contributions and Honors
Beyond the classroom, Adams was a pivotal figure in literary curation and editing. He served as one of the founding editors of The Norton Anthology of English Literature, a cornerstone text for students of English worldwide, and contributed his expertise as an editor for the Hudson Review.
His scholarly excellence was recognized by the Guggenheim Foundation, which awarded him the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship twice, first in 1959 and again in 1974.
The Translation of Machiavelli
One of Adams' most enduring legacies is his translation of Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince. His work on this seminal political treatise earned him a place as a finalist for the 1978 National Book Award for Translated Literature. The quality of his translation ensured its longevity, leading to a second edition published in 1992 as part of a Norton Critical Edition.
Key Facts
- Birth Name: Robert Martin Krapp (born 1915, New York City).
- Education: B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from Columbia University.
- Academic Appointments: Taught at Columbia, Rutgers, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Cornell University, and UCLA.
- Major Honors: Two-time Guggenheim Fellow (1959, 1974).
- Notable Work: Finalist for the 1978 National Book Award for his translation of The Prince.
- Editorial Roles: Founding editor of The Norton Anthology of English Literature and editor of the Hudson Review.
| Period/Year | Affiliation or Achievement | Role/Award |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-WWII | Columbia University | Student (B.A., M.A., Ph.D.) |
| 1950 | Cornell University | Faculty Member |
| 1959 & 1974 | Guggenheim Foundation | Fellowship Recipient |
| 1968–1979 | UCLA | Faculty Member |
| 1978 | National Book Awards | Finalist (Translated Literature) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Robert Adams' original name?
He was born Robert Martin Krapp and changed his name after serving in the army during World War II.
Which universities did Robert Adams teach at?
Adams held teaching positions at Columbia University, Rutgers, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Cornell University, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
What is Robert Adams' most famous translation?
He is best known for his translation of Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince, which was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1978.
What editorial roles did he hold?
He was a founding editor of The Norton Anthology of English Literature and served as an editor for the Hudson Review.
How many Guggenheim Fellowships did he receive?
Robert Adams received the Guggenheim Fellowship twice, once in 1959 and again in 1974.