Szabó Dezső

Dezső Szabó was a Hungarian writer and linguist whose notable works include the three-volume novel "The Eroded Village" and various pamphlets. His literary output is viewed in contrasting ways, with some recognising it as a high point of Hungarian expressionism, whilst others consider him a foundational figure in Magyar populist literature. Szabó relocated to Budapest in 1918, contributing essays to the influential literary journal Nyugat and gaining prominence for a pamphlet that criticised István Tisza, a leading Hungarian statesman. This work established him among Hungary's progressive intellectuals.

Szabó's early life in Budapest saw him briefly support the 1918 Hungarian Revolution. Arthur Koestler recalled him as a teacher at his school, describing a man who spoke of agricultural workers' lives. However, Szabó's allegiance to the revolution was short-lived. He later became a strong critic of the Hungarian Soviet Republic initiated by Béla Kun, stating his opposition was to the "corruption of the revolution" rather than the revolution itself. He is also noted for expressing antisemitic views.