Translated from the Hungarian

the long version

Seldom have literature and art been so happily married as in this volume, a jaunty, lighthearted essay in autobiography. The late Alfred Bendiner was many things -- architect, artist, raconteur, humorist -- and all his many talents have been combined here. Alfred Bendiner was translated from the Hungarian -- from his parents' village of Satoraljaujhely, to be exact --^ and this is the story of that "translation." Born in Pittsburgh, he moved with his parents to Philadelphia. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania, served as a "doughboy" in the first World War, took up architecture and rose to a position of honor and esteem in the city. In words and in pictures he had an unerring ability to see the pathos of life, the humor, the incongruity. His wit could be sharp and biting, or soft and kind. He had a true understanding of the foibles of his fellow men and their greatness. For many years Philadelphians were treated to his view of the world. In hundreds of drawings and paintings, as well as in his writing, he shared with them his enormous enjoyment of life, the brilliance of his satire, and much of this is contained in the present volume. This is in no sense a formal autobiography. It is rather the recollections of a raconteur who is more concerned with the essence of the story than the date.^ Al Bendiner shares with his readers all those things that mattered in his life -- art, architecture, Hungarian food, travel, his family and friends -- all this is served up with large helpings of wit, and spiced with the flavor of his Hungarian-Jewish background. Wherever he went, his sketchbook was always at hand. On train or ship, on the street, in a restaurant, always he committed to paper the things that stirred him. Thus the book is blessed with a large sampling of his art -- nearly 200 drawings that illustrate and complement his observations. Those who have known and enjoyed Bendiner's writings and drawings over the years will find Translated from the Hungarian a thoroughly delightful summing up. Those readers who have not yet had the pleasure of his company have a wonderful treat in store with the discovery of a uniquely and chanting personality. - Jacket flap.