Born on 19 June 1899 in Bucharest as the illegitimate son of Maria
Visan and a married railway clerk Constantin Calinescu, in which house
Maria worked as a housekeeper. Adopted by his father in 1907, he will
sign with the new name of Calinescu. Studies in highschool and
University in Bucharest, get a two years scholarship in Rome, Italy,
and the doctorate degree in literature. From 1945 is a professor at
Bucharest University, and member of Academy from 1949. During the
communist era, is highly appreciated by the regime, who was anxious to
get any possible support. Died March 12 ,1965 in Bucharest of hepatic
cirrhosis. He is considered a top literary critic, historian and
novelist.
