A celebrated poet, critic, and translator, known for his lyrical and nuanced translations of classical Greek and Roman literature, particularly Homer's epics.
Robert Stuart Fitzgerald, an American poet, literary critic, and translator, is renowned for his exemplary renderings of ancient Greek and Latin classics, which became the gold standard for scholars and students alike. His translations of Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey, as well as Virgil's The Aeneid, are considered masterpieces of literary interpretation.
Fitzgerald's fascination with literature began early, growing up in Springfield, Illinois. He graduated from The Choate School (now Choate Rosemary Hall) in Wallingford, Connecticut, and later attended Harvard University, where he honed his writing skills. His poetic talents were recognized early, with several of his poems published in Poetry magazine in 1931.
After graduating from Harvard in 1933, Fitzgerald ventured into journalism, working as a reporter for the New York Herald Tribune for a year. He later joined Time magazine, where he worked alongside notable writers, including William Saroyan and Whittaker Chambers.
Fitzgerald's literary career was punctuated by several notable milestones. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in Guam and Pearl Harbor. After the war, he taught at Sarah Lawrence and Princeton University, serving as poetry editor of
Fitzgerald was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. In 1984, he was appointed Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, a position now known as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, although he did not serve due to illness.
Fitzgerald's translations of ancient Greek and Latin classics are considered some of the most poetic and nuanced renderings of these works. His literary executorship to Flannery O'Connor, a prominent American novelist, is a testament to his dedication to preserving literary legacies. His wife, Sally Fitzgerald, compiled O'Connor's essays and letters after her death.
Fitzgerald's own poetry, though less well-known than his translations, showcases his mastery of language and form. His collection of poems, In the Rose of Time, is a testament to his skill as a poet and translator.
Fitzgerald's contributions to the world of literature are a testament to his dedication, passion, and mastery of language. His translations and poetry continue to inspire generations of scholars, students, and writers, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century.
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.
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 1914
A Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and scholar, known for his confessional and autobiographical poetry, exploring themes of identity, mortality, and the human condition.
Born in 1913
A poet and short story writer who explored the American Jewish experience and the human condition through his lyrical and introspective works. He's known for his unique blend of modernist and traditional styles.
Born in 1921
A celebrated poet, translator, and essayist, known for his mastery of traditional forms and witty, insightful explorations of everyday life. His work often blends humor and profundity, earning him numerous awards and accolades.
Born in 1923
A Pulitzer Prize-winning poet celebrated for his mastery of formal verse and exploration of themes like morality, history, and the human condition.
99 Years Old
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.
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.
