Image of E. E. Cummings

Timeline

Lifetime: 1894 - 1962 Passed: ≈ 62 years ago

Title

Poet, Painter, Author

Country/Nationality

United States
Wikipedia

E. E. Cummings

Edward Estlin Cummings, who was also known as E. E. Cummings, e. e. Cummings and e e Cummings (October 14, 1894 – September 3, 1962), was an American poet, painter, essayist, author, and playwright. He wrote approximately 2,900 poems, two autobiographical novels, four plays, and several essays.

Cummings was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and attended Harvard University, where he studied English and Classics. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I, and was imprisoned in a French detention camp for several months after being mistaken for a spy.

After the war, Cummings returned to the United States and began to publish his poetry in various magazines and journals. His first book of poems, Tulips and Chimneys, was published in 1923. Cummings's poetry is known for its unconventional style, which often features experimental typography, punctuation, and grammar. He is also known for his use of vivid imagery and his exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the nature of reality.

Some of Cummings's most famous poems include "anyone lived in a pretty how town," "i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)," and "somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond." His poetry has been translated into over 30 languages and is still widely read and enjoyed today.

Cummings was also a talented painter and artist. He had several exhibitions of his work during his lifetime, and his paintings are now held in the collections of major museums around the world.

Cummings died in 1962 at the age of 67. He is remembered as one of the most important and influential American poets of the 20th century.

Cummings's Principles

Cummings was a strong advocate for individuality and artistic freedom. He believed that artists should not be constrained by traditional rules or conventions. He also believed that art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their social class or educational background.

Cummings's Notable Works

Some of Cummings's notable works include:

  • Tulips and Chimneys (1923)
  • &(And) (1925)
  • XLI Poems (1925)
  • Is 5 (1926)
  • Him (1927)
  • ViVa (1931)
  • No Thanks (1935)
  • 50 Poems (1940)
  • 1 x 1 (1944)
  • XAIPE (1950)
  • Poems, 1923-1954 (1954)
  • 95 Poems (1958)
  • 73 Poems (1963)

Cummings's Philosophy

Cummings's philosophy was based on the belief in the importance of individuality, creativity, and love. He believed that everyone should be free to express themselves in their own unique way, and that art should be a source of joy and inspiration.

Cummings's Legacy

Cummings is remembered as one of the most important and influential American poets of the 20th century. His poetry continues to be read and enjoyed by people all over the world. Cummings is also remembered for his commitment to individuality and artistic freedom.

Interesting Facts About Cummings

  • Cummings was a skilled athlete and played tennis and baseball at Harvard University.
  • He was also a talented musician and played the piano and the violin.
  • Cummings was a lifelong smoker and died of lung cancer in 1962.
  • He was married twice, but neither marriage produced any children.
  • Cummings was a close friend of many other famous artists and writers, including Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, and William Carlos Williams.

Conclusion

E. E. Cummings was a unique and talented poet, painter, and artist. His work continues to inspire and entertain people all over the world. Cummings is remembered for his commitment to individuality, creativity, and love.

Books by E. E. Cummings

The Enormous Room Cover image

The Enormous Room

Memoir
Power Spirit Crime Freedom World Wars Experiences Memory Meditation Joys Suspicious

Imagine being imprisoned in a foreign country for a crime you didn't commit. That's the story of E. E. Cummings's memoir, The Enormous Room. The Enormous Room is a memoir by E. E. Cummings of his experiences as a prisoner of war in France during Wor...

Eight Harvard Poets Cover image

Eight Harvard Poets

Poetry Philosophy Non-Fiction
Love Nature Anthology Symbolism American poetry Lyric Poetry Modernist Poetry Expressionism Avant-Garde Poetry Imaginism

Eight Harvard Poets is a collection of poetry by eight Harvard University graduates who were active in the early 20th century. The poets included in the anthology are E. Estlin Cummings, S. Foster Damon, J. R. Dos Passos, Robert Hillyer, R. S. Mitche...

XLI Poems Cover image

XLI Poems

Poetry Romance War
Love War Beauty Innocence Death Nature Life Humanity Sonnets Songs Modernism Portraits

This collection of 41 poems by E. E. Cummings offers a diverse exploration of human experience. The poems are organized into themed sections, including 'Songs,' 'Chansons Innocentes,' 'Portraits,' 'La Guerre,' and 'Sonnets.' Cummings' signature style...