Orson Welles and His Enthusiastic Reading Habits

Orson Welles was more than a celebrated radio broadcaster, movie director, and actor. His literary tastes were as broad and deep as his talents in the arts. From the time he was a young boy, reading became a central part of his life and contributed greatly to his creative genius. This article explores the books Orson Welles read, particularly focusing on his favorites and how these readings influenced his art.

William Shakespeare: The Early Influence

One of the most significant literary figures in Orson Welles's life was William Shakespeare. As a child, he developed a profound appreciation for Shakespeare's works. His love for these plays continued well into adulthood. Beatrice Welles, Orson's daughter, recounted that even as a boy, her father was a keen reader of Shakespeare and was capable of quoting passages from the Bible, a testament to his deep understanding and respect for literature.

Orson's fascination with Shakespeare's works was not merely academic. During his teenage years, he produced radio adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, such as The First Part of King Henry the Fourth. His interpretations were innovative and often modernized, making the classics accessible and relevant to a contemporary audience.

H.G. Wells and the Power of Radio

Orson Welles's radio broadcasts were not limited to Shakespeare; he was also known for his dramatic and often frightening renditions of other literary works. One of his most famous radio productions was based on H.G. Wells’s novel The War of the Worlds. This production, which aired on October 30, 1938, caused mass panic among listeners. The realism and intensity of Welles's reading brought the story to life in a way that terrified and captivated the public.

The success of this production demonstrated Welles's ability to take a written work and transform it into a live and emotionally impactful experience, a skill that he later applied to his cinematic endeavors. The broadcast of The War of the Worlds once again highlights Welles's passionate and dynamic approach to literature, which extended far beyond the written page.

The Poetry of Walt Whitman

Among the books Orson Welles read, Walt Whitman's Song of Myself holds a special place. In his 1934 Carnegie Hall jazz opera IDGAF (I Don't Give a Fuck), Welles admirably and passionately read from Song of Myself. His powerful reading brought Whitman's words to life and resonated with the audience, making Song of Myself more accessible to a new generation of readers.

Walt Whitman's Song of Myself is a poem that celebrates individuality, self-expression, and the American spirit. By reading it aloud, Welles not only shared Whitman's message but also engaged his listeners in a profound and meaningful cultural dialogue. This performance demonstrated Welles's ability to connect emotionally with his audience and to bring literary works to life in a way that resonated deeply.

Both H.G. Wells's The War of the Worlds and Walt Whitman's Song of Myself showcase how Welles leveraged his literary interests to create memorable and impactful works of art. Each book played a crucial role in shaping Welles's unique artistic vision and influenced his broader cultural impact.

The Impact of Literature on Orson Welles

Orson Welles's love of literature was a fundamental aspect of his identity, and it profoundly influenced his career. His passion for reading and his ability to transform written works into memorable performances or cinematic experiences made him a pivotal figure in 20th-century culture. The books he read, from the classical works of Shakespeare to the more contemporary and thought-provoking stories of H.G. Wells and Walt Whitman, were crucial in honing his skills and shaping his artistic vision.

Beyond the obvious influence on his work, literature also provided Welles with a way to connect with audiences. By bringing classic and contemporary works to life, he not only entertained and engaged his audience but also sparked a deeper appreciation for the written word. As a result, the books he read contributed not only to his artistic success but also to the broader cultural landscape of his time.

In the end, Orson Welles's reading habits were a testament to his multifaceted talents and his love for literature. Through the works of Shakespeare, Wells, and Whitman, Welles not only honed his skills as a performer and creator but also connected with audiences on a profound level, leaving a lasting impact on the world of arts and culture.