James Dickey
James Dickey
=====================
Full Name and Common Aliases
-----------------------------
James Lafayette Dickey was born on February 2, 1923, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Birth and Death Dates
------------------------
Born: February 2, 1923
Died: January 19, 1997 (aged 73)
Nationality and Profession(s)
--------------------------------
Dickey was an American poet, novelist, essayist, translator, editor, teacher, and politician. He served as the U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1966 to 1968.
Early Life
-------------
Born into a family of modest means, Dickey's early life was marked by frequent moves due to his father's job as an engineer. The young James spent time in various parts of the South, including Georgia and Virginia, which would later influence his writing style and themes. He developed a passion for poetry at an early age, influenced by the works of William Wordsworth and Walt Whitman.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Dickey's notable achievements include:
Serving as U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress (1966-1968)
Publishing several collections of poetry, including Buckdancer's Choice (1955) and Drowning in the Lonely Sea of Life (1982)
Receiving a National Book Award nomination for his novel To the White Sea (1959)Notable Works or Actions
-----------------------------
Some of Dickey's most notable works include:
Buckdancer's Choice, which explores themes of masculinity, violence, and the human condition
To the White Sea, a novel that delves into the psychological effects of war on its soldiers
Drowning in the Lonely Sea of Life, a collection of poetry that reflects on the complexities of love and relationships
Impact and Legacy
------------------------
Dickey's work has had a significant impact on American literature, particularly in the realm of poetry. His unique style, which blends elements of Southern Gothic and Transcendentalism, has influenced generations of writers. He is also remembered for his advocacy of poetry as a vital part of American culture.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
--------------------------------------------
James Dickey's words continue to resonate with readers due to their depth, complexity, and insight into the human condition. His poetry and prose offer powerful explorations of love, violence, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. As a poet, novelist, and advocate for literature, Dickey has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and challenge readers today.
Dickey's work remains widely read and studied due to its thought-provoking themes and its exploration of the complexities of human nature. His poetry, in particular, is known for its rich imagery, complex metaphors, and unflinching examination of the darker aspects of life. As a result, his words are frequently quoted or referenced in discussions of literature, philosophy, and culture.
Through his writing and public persona, Dickey has become an important figure in American literary history, celebrated for his innovative style, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to promoting poetry as a vital force in society. His impact on American literature continues to be felt today, inspiring new generations of writers, thinkers, and readers.
Quotes by James Dickey
The true feeling of sex is that of a deep intimacy, but above all of a deep complicity.
If I were going to tell one of my sons how to possess the world, I would simply bring him into my house, show him that solid wall of books, and say to him: ’the secret is in there somewhere, and even if you never find out what it is, you will still have come closer.
What you have to realize when you write poetry, or if you love poetry, is that poetry is just naturally the greatest god damn thing that ever was in the whole universe.
To have guilt you’ve got to earn guilt, but sometimes when you earn it, you don’t feel the guilt you ought to have. And that’s what The Firebombing is about.
