Anne Stevenson
Anne Stevenson
Full Name and Common Aliases
Anne Stevenson is a British poet, critic, and biographer who is widely known for her insightful literary reviews and perceptive biographies.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 8, 1923, in Manchester, England, Anne Stevenson passed away on March 21, 2018 at the age of 94.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: British
Profession: Poet, Critic, Biographer
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family that valued education and literature, Stevenson developed an early interest in poetry. She was particularly drawn to the works of Yeats and Eliot, which would later influence her own writing style. During World War II, she served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), after which she began to focus on her literary career.
Major Accomplishments
Stevenson has had a distinguished career spanning over six decades. She has published numerous collections of poetry, including _A Chance and Other Poems_ (1958) and _The Air Mail_ (1967). Her poetry is characterized by its accessibility, depth, and exploration of themes such as love, nature, and the human condition.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her poetry, Stevenson has written several biographies, including Elizabeth Bishop: Life (2006) and Virgil Buchanan: A Life in Letters (2011). Her biographical work is notable for its meticulous research and nuanced understanding of its subjects. She has also translated several works from French and German into English.
Impact and Legacy
Anne Stevenson's contributions to literature are multifaceted. As a poet, she has been praised for her unique voice and perspective, which has inspired generations of readers. Her biographies have shed new light on the lives of literary figures, offering insights that were previously unknown or overlooked. Her work as a critic has helped shape literary tastes and influenced the way we think about poetry.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Stevenson's quotes are widely sought after due to her insightful commentary on literature and life. She is remembered for her ability to distill complex ideas into clear, accessible language. Her observations on the human condition, love, and nature continue to resonate with readers today.
Throughout her career, Stevenson has received numerous awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship (1966) and an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2001 for services to literature. Her influence extends beyond the literary world; she has been an advocate for social justice and human rights.
In conclusion, Anne Stevenson's life and work are a testament to her dedication to literature and her passion for exploring the human experience. Her poetry, biographies, and criticism continue to inspire readers and writers alike, ensuring that her legacy will endure for generations to come.
Quotes by Anne Stevenson
Poets these days, like artists and composers, have won for themselves almost unlimited freedom. You can pass yourself off as a painter without being able to draw, as a composer without being conscious of key relationships, and as a poet without making yourself familiar with traditional verse forms.
Looking back at it now, any objective account of my life is bound to read like a cross between 'The Wife of Bath's Tale' and a travel brochure.
I truly hate marketing promotions, and I don't at all approve of encouraging wannabe poets to write bad poetry.
I've cancelled all my subscriptions to poetry magazines. I prefer to read the 'New Scientist.'
Have you ever heard of a pianist who never had to practice - or of an architect who didn't bother to find out why buildings stand up?
A poem might be defined as thinking about feelings – about human feelings and frailties.
I play with language a great deal in my poems, and I enjoy that. I try to condense language, that is, I try to express complicated but I hope real emotions as simply as possible. But that doesn’t mean the poems are simple, just that they are as truthful as I can make them.