Egy miniszteriális karrier első felvonása

This study summarizes a so far unresearched segment of the tumultuous life of historiographer Miklós Asztalos (1899–1986), an important period in his ministerial career. This overview utilizes Asztalos’ own memoirs and letters, as well as archival sources. The main goal of this text is to present in detail the workings and primary functions of the so-called 5th Department of Social Policy first founded by Prime Minister Béla Imrédy, then further operated by Pál Teleki, therefore his work as a historiographer and novelist are only briefly touched upon. Only his work in theater, radio, and film is discussed in detail, due to its stronger connection to the main subject. At the end of the study there is a brief outlook on the historian’s daily life at the Ministry right after the 5th Department of the Prime Minister’s Office.