E. E. Cummings: A Poet's Life - Hardcover

Reef, Catherine

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0618568492 ISBN 13: 9780618568499

Publisher: Clarion Books, 2006

Synopsis

Even before his groundbreaking style helped change the landscape of American poetry, E. E. Cummings was going against the grain. Defying the traditionalists of the early 20th century, Cummings lived a life devoted to the shifting archetypes of art and literature, and wrote some of the most celebrated poetry of the modern era. Nearly a century after his first works were published, E. E. Cummings is still inspiring readers. Noted nonfiction writer Catherine Reef provides a well-rounded portrait of Cummings while examining the culture in which he lived as he developed his craft. Serving as both an exploration of his rich and sensational life as well as a foundation from which readers can learn about his work, this comprehensive biography includes Cummings’s original sketches and paintings, quotes from friends and family, photographs, and the poetry of Cummings and his peers. Bibliography, endnotes, index.

About this title

About the Author

Catherine Reef is the author of more than 40 nonfiction books, including many highly acclaimed biographies for young people. She lives in College Park, Maryland. www.catherinereef.com.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Many teens have studied and liked at least a few of Cummings' poems, so this thoroughly researched survey of Cummings' life is sure to generate interest in the classroom and beyond. Reef chooses revealing anecdotes from the poet's youth that will speak directly to teens. After Cummings passed from confident child to awkward teen, Reef notes that he "was so self-conscious about his acne that he hid his face behind a newspaper when riding on streetcars." Numerous direct quotes from Cummings, his family, and his friends, along with many photos personalize the story, and Reef's enthusiasm for poetry is clear in her well-chosen excerpts from Cummings' poems and those of his contemporaries. She also skillfully places the poet within a larger cultural context, showing connections between his poetry and interests and the artistic and political movements of his times. Unfortunately, source notes refer only to direct quotes, but an extensive bibliography, a list of Cummings' works, and a glossary will aid researchers. A clear, engaging portrait of a poet whose refusal to write and live according to convention will endear him to teens. Gillian Engberg
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Edition details

• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0618568492
• ISBN 13: 9780618568499
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160