Zelk, Zoltan

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ZELK, ZOLTAN

ZELK, ZOLTAN (1906–1981), Hungarian poet. Zelk was one of the Nyugat literary generation, but only achieved a position of prominence in the 1950s. His collections of verse, of which several were published, include Mint égő lelkiismeret ("Burning Conscience," 1954) and Zúzmara a rozsafán ("Hoarfrost on the Rosebush," 1964). He also wrote some outstanding poetry for children. Though an orthodox Marxist, Zelk joined the 1956 revolution and subsequently served two years in prison.