Hayden Carruth
Hayden Carruth
====================
Full Name and Common Aliases
Hayden Carruth was a renowned American poet, critic, and translator. His full name is Hayden Vernon Carruth.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 9, 1918, in Dover, New Hampshire, Carruth passed away on November 29, 2008, at the age of 90.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Carruth held American nationality and worked as a poet, critic, and translator. His contributions to literature span several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of poetry and criticism.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Dover, New Hampshire, Carruth's early life was marked by an affinity for language and literature. He developed a keen interest in writing at an early age, which would eventually become his lifelong passion. After completing his education at Dartmouth College, he went on to serve in the United States Army during World War II.
Major Accomplishments
Carruth's career was replete with notable accomplishments. Some of his most significant achievements include:
He was a prominent figure in the American poetry scene, known for his unique style and lyrical voice.
His work as a translator earned him recognition for bringing international literature to English-speaking audiences.
Carruth held various positions within the literary community, including serving as the poetry editor of The Nation from 1964 to 1970.Notable Works or Actions
Some of his most notable works include:
"King Cobras" (1958), a collection of poems that showcased his mastery of language and form.
"Collected Poems, 1946-1982", which compiled many of his most celebrated poems into a single volume.
Carruth's commitment to promoting literary excellence extended beyond his own writing. He actively supported emerging writers through various initiatives and publications.
Impact and Legacy
Hayden Carruth's influence on the literary world is multifaceted:
As a poet, he expanded the boundaries of language and form, paving the way for future generations.
His translations introduced readers to international masterpieces, enriching the cultural landscape.
Through his editorship of The Nation, he played a vital role in shaping the literary discourse.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Carruth's enduring relevance lies in his dedication to artistry and intellectual rigor. His poetry, translations, and editorial work have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. As a result, he remains widely quoted and remembered as one of the most important figures in American literary history.
[Image description: A photo of Hayden Carruth]
Quotes by Hayden Carruth

Any page by Paul Goodman will give you not only originality and brilliance but wisdom, that is, something to think about. He is our peculiar, urban, twentieth-century Thoreau, the quintessential American mind of our time.

A poem is not an expression, nor is it an object. Yet it somewhat partakes of both. What a poem is is never to be known, for which I have learned to be grateful.

My poems, I think, exist in a state of tension between the love of natural beauty and the fear of natural meaninglessness or absurdity.

Languagenot urged and crammed with loveis nothing, while that which is is everything.


Beauty was worthIts every sorrow, mind's fading or World's ending,As darkness covered the garden that is the earth.

I like that name, that game too, though utterly valueless, the animal in usjust sufficiently domesticated, our venomous American aggressiveness confined to balls and bats.


