Juozas Tumas-Vaižgantas

Juozas Tumas, also known by the pen name Vaižgantas (September 20, 1869 - April 29, 1933), was a prominent Lithuanian writer, Roman Catholic priest, social activist, literary historian, and one of the founders of the Party of National Progress. He wrote novels, short fictional pieces, and non-fiction. His most notable works include the novel Pragiedruliai (Rays of Hope) and the narrative Dėdės ir dėdiėnes (Uncles and Aunts). Tumas is considered one of the most important Lithuanian writers of his era.

Juozas Tumas was born in the village of Malaišiai near Svėdasai into a farming family. He completed his elementary school studies within two years, and studied at the gymnasium in Daugavpils, Latvia from 1881 to 1888. During this time he developed an interest in Russian classic literature. Soon after graduation he enrolled in the Kaunas Priest Seminary; he was ordained in 1893, and began his career as a writer.

A ban on publication in the Lithuanian language was imposed by the Russian Empire from 1866 to 1904; Vaižgantas was accused of book smuggling and interrogated, but was released for lack of evidence. His brother, however, was sentenced to exile in Siberia for this crime. Vaižgantas was advised to flee to the United States, but chose to stay in Lithuania.

Juozas Tumas-Vaižgantas contributed to various Lithuanian newspapers, including Žinyčia and Tėvynės Sargas. As a result of these activities he was accused of being a "Lithuanian maniac". He was cleared of this charge, but was put on parole and forbidden to print anything without receiving direct permission from a bishop.

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