A celebrated poet, critic, and translator, known for his lyrical and introspective poetry, as well as his translations of French literature, including the works of Roland Barthes and Michel Foucault.
Richard Howard, a distinguished American poet, literary critic, essayist, teacher, and translator, left an indelible mark on the literary world. His remarkable work, which spanned over six decades, earned him numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and MacArthur Fellowship, solidifying his position as one of the most influential literary figures of his time.
Born on October 13, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, Richard Joseph Orwitz, later adopted as Richard Joseph Howard, grew up with a passion for literature. He pursued his love for words at Columbia University, where he studied under the esteemed Mark Van Doren, and later became an emeritus professor. His educational background laid the foundation for his future success as a literary critic and poet.
Howard's early career began as a lexicographer, but he soon shifted his focus to poetry and poetic criticism. His 1969 collection, Untitled Subjects, earned him the Pulitzer Prize, recognizing his innovative approach to poetry. This collection of dramatic imagined letters and monologues of 19th-century historical figures showcased his unique voice and style.
A prolific literary critic, Howard's monumental 1969 volume, Alone With America, profiles 41 American poets who had published at least two books each and have come into a characteristic and consequential identity since the time of the Korean War. This seminal work demonstrated his commitment to understanding and celebrating American poetry.
Howard's work extended beyond original poetry to translation. He was awarded the PEN Translation Prize in 1976 for his translation of E.M. Cioran's A Short History of Decay, and the National Book Award in 1983 for his translation of Baudelaire's Les Fleurs du mal. These accolades highlighted his dedication to sharing the works of international writers with a broader audience.
As the longest-serving Poetry Editor of The Paris Review, from 1992 until 2005, Howard played a pivotal role in shaping the literary landscape. His editorial work provided a platform for emerging and established poets, further solidifying his reputation as a champion of poetry.
Throughout his career, Howard received numerous honors, including the Academy of Arts and Letters Literary Award and a MacArthur Fellowship. His contributions to literature have left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of writers, poets, and literary critics.
Howard's life was marked by personal milestones, including his time spent reading French letters at the Sorbonne in 1952-1953. This experience had a profound impact on his work, influencing his quantitative verse technique and approach to poetry.
Despite his many achievements, Howard remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to write and teach until his passing on March 31, 2022, leaving behind a body of work that will continue to inspire and educate future generations.
Richard Howard's remarkable life and work have left an indelible mark on the literary world. His commitment to poetry, translation, and literary criticism has inspired generations of writers and scholars. As a champion of poetry, Howard's legacy continues to shape the literary landscape, ensuring that his work will continue to inspire and educate for years to come.
Born in 1907
A renowned poet, playwright, and composer who explored themes of love, morality, and social justice through his works, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century literature.
Born in 1926
A prominent figure in the New York School of poets, known for his spontaneous, conversational style and poems that capture the essence of urban life and the human experience.
98 Years Old
A celebrated poet of the New York School, known for his surreal, dreamlike, and often humorous poetry that explores the human condition and the nature of language. His work is characterized by its complexity, wit, and playfulness.
Born in 1926
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and playwright known for his lyrical and introspective works that explored themes of love, identity, and the supernatural. His writing is celebrated for its technical mastery and emotional depth.
Born in 1911
A Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and short-story writer, celebrated for her vivid, introspective, and nuanced portrayals of life, love, and nature. Her unique style blends precision with lyricism, creating a distinctive voice in American literature.
Born in 1917
A confessional poet who pioneered the personal, free-verse style, exploring themes of family, history, and mental illness in his work. He's known for his raw, introspective, and emotionally charged poetry.
93 Years Old
A confessional and emotionally intense writer who explored themes of mental illness, mortality, and femininity in her work, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary literature.
97 Years Old
A confessional poet who explored themes of mental illness, family, and femininity through her raw and intimate writing style, earning a Pulitzer Prize in 1967.
