Emma Gad

Emma Gad
Born	Emma Halkier (1852-01-21)January 21, 1852 Copenhagen
Died	January 8, 1921(1921-01-08) (aged 68) Copenhagen
Occupation	Writer
Language	Danish
Nationality	Danish
Spouse	Nicolas Urban Gad
Children	Peter Urban Gad, Henry Urban Gad

Emma Gad (January 21, 1852 - January 8, 1921), born Emma Halkier, was a Danish writer and socialite who wrote plays and books that were often satirical. Although she was a prolific writer, many of her works fell into obscurity after her death. One work that remained popular was Takt og Tone, a book of etiquette she wrote in old age.^[1]

She received a gold Medal of Merit in 1905. Today her plays are preserved in Denmark's Royal Library.

Biography

Gravestone of Emma and Nicolas Gad in Copenhagen

Gad grew up in a relatively affluent home and received a good education for a woman at the time. She married Nicolas Urban Gad, a rear admiral, in 1872. They had two sons: Henry and Peter Urban Gad, who later became a filmmaker. She was a member of many trade unions and women's societies in Copenhagen,^[2] and her home was an important meeting place for intellectuals in Denmark at the turn of the century.^[1]

In 1886 she premiered as a dramatist at the Royal Danish Theatre's Ny Scene. In 1898 she co-founded the Women's Trade and Clerical Association, which was the first professional organization of women in the office.

Etiquette - About Dealing with People

Gad's book Etiquette - About Dealing with People (Danish: Takt og Tone - Om Omgang med Mennesker) was published in 1918. Her oft-repeated point is that when visitation is between considerate people then "etiquette" is not necessary. It is the indifferent, selfish, or directly ruthless people that create the need for a formal etiquette.

On Jan 21, 2013 google made a doodle for Emma Gad's 161th birthday, in honor of her book of etiquette.^[3]

References