Donald Hall
Donald Hall
=====================================
Full Name and Common Aliases
---------------------------------
Donald Richard Hall was an American poet, editor, and essayist who went by the name Don Hall.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born: September 20, 1928, in New Haven, Connecticut
Died: June 23, 2018, in Wilmot, New Hampshire
Nationality and Profession(s)
-------------------------------
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Poet, Editor, Essayist
Early Life and Background
---------------------------
Donald Hall was born on September 20, 1928, in New Haven, Connecticut. He grew up in a family of modest means but had an intellectual environment that encouraged his love for literature from an early age.
Growing up during the Great Depression had a significant impact on Hall's worldview. He saw firsthand how people came together to help one another through difficult times and developed a strong sense of community and social responsibility.
Hall attended Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire before moving on to Harvard University, where he studied English literature. His time at Harvard was marked by an intense interest in poetry and his own writing endeavors.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Donald Hall made significant contributions to American literature as a poet, editor, and essayist. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Poetry collections: He published numerous poetry collections throughout his career, including "The Hidden Byway" (1950), "The Dark Horses" (1962), and "The Alligator Bridge" (2004).
Pulitzer Prize winner: Hall was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 2006 for his collection "Without It."
Poetry Foundation president: He served as the president of the Poetry Foundation from 1988 to 1992.
National Endowment for the Arts chairman: Hall also chaired the National Endowment for the Arts from 1997 to 2001.
Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
Some notable works and actions by Donald Hall include:
His poetry often explores themes of love, family, and mortality. He drew inspiration from his personal life and experiences as a husband, father, and grandfather.
In addition to his own writing, Hall edited numerous anthologies and poetry collections for other authors.
* As the Poetry Foundation president, he worked tirelessly to promote poetry and literature in America.
Impact and Legacy
---------------------
Donald Hall's impact on American literature is undeniable. He left behind a legacy of works that have inspired countless readers and writers.
Throughout his career, Hall received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to poetry. His work has been widely praised for its accessibility, depth, and emotional resonance.
Hall's commitment to promoting poetry and literature has helped shape the literary landscape in America. His leadership at the Poetry Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts has inspired a new generation of writers and artists.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
-----------------------------------------
Donald Hall is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful poems on love, family, and mortality. Readers find comfort in the relatable themes and emotions expressed in his work.
Hall's legacy extends beyond his own writing; he has inspired others to explore their creative potential. His commitment to promoting poetry and literature will continue to be felt long after he is gone.
Donald Hall's life was a testament to the power of literature to inspire, educate, and bring people together. His poetry continues to touch hearts and minds today, making him one of the most beloved American poets of his generation.
Quotes by Donald Hall
Donald Hall's insights on:
In my life, I've seen enormous increase in the consumption of poetry. When I was young, there were virtually no poetry readings.
I felt the need to be more open and expressive of my feelings, not just about the hills and the countryside, but about the daily life.
There are books all around me... I don't read as much as I used to, but I always have a book or two going.
I live in the house my great-grandfather moved to in 1865... I spent all my summers here as a kid haying with my grandfather, and it was my favorite place in the world.
I would work until I got stuck, and I would put it down and pick up something else. I might be able to take a 20-minute nap and get to work again. That way, I was able to work about 10 hours a day... It was important to me to work every day. I managed to work on Christmas day, just to be able to say I worked 365 days a year.
In December of 1952, my first wife, Kirby, and I left Vienna to drive through the Russian sector of Austria into Yugoslavia.
Divorce was miserable, as it always is, and we divorce for the same reasons we marry.
When I finished my initial year at Oxford, I flew home to marry Kirby, who had been my girlfriend in college. We had met on a blind date.
When I lament and darken over my diminishments, I accomplish nothing. It's better to sit at the window all day, pleased to watch birds, barns, and flowers.
It is sensible of me to be aware that I will die one of these days. I will not 'pass away.'