Image of Edgar A. Guest

Timeline

Lifetime: 1881 - 1959 Passed: ≈ 64 years ago

Title

British

Country/Nationality

British
Wikipedia

Edgar A. Guest

Edgar A. Guest was an American poet and journalist, born on August 20, 1881, in Birmingham, England. He moved to the United States with his family when he was ten years old, and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Guest started his career as a copy boy in the Detroit Free Press, and eventually became a popular syndicated columnist and poet.

Guest's writing was known for its accessibility and relatability. He wrote about everyday life and experiences, and his poems often featured themes of family, patriotism, and moral values. His most famous poem, "It Couldn't Be Done," is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.

Guest was also known for his principles and philosophy. He believed in the power of hard work and dedication, and encouraged readers to strive for their goals and dreams. His writing often emphasized the importance of family, community, and the simple joys of life.

Throughout his career, Guest published over 20 books of poetry and prose. Some of his most notable works include "A Heap o' Livin'" (1916), "Just Folks" (1917), and "The Friendly Way" (1931). He also received numerous awards and honors for his writing, including being named the first Poet Laureate of Michigan in 1952.

Guest died on August 5, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 77. He is remembered as one of the most popular poets of his time, and his writing has continued to inspire readers for generations. His philosophy of hard work and determination remains a timeless message, and his poems continue to be read and loved around the world.

An interesting fact about Guest is that he wrote a poem every day for over 30 years, resulting in over 11,000 poems. Despite being criticized by some for his simple and sentimental style, Guest's writing continues to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. He remains a beloved figure in American literature, and his books are still widely read and cherished by fans of poetry and literature.

Books by Edgar A. Guest

Keep Going Cover image

Keep Going

Poetry
Dream Social Faith Poems Success Happiness Determination Verses Fortnightly

The poem is centered around the theme of perseverance and resilience in the face of life's challenges. Through his insightful and heartfelt verses, Guest encourages readers to keep pushing forward despite setbacks and obstacles, reminding them that s...

It Couldn't Be Done Cover image

It Couldn't Be Done

LibriVox volunteers bring you 9 recordings of It Couldn't Be Done by Edgar A. Guest. This was the Weekly Poetry project for June 29th, 2010.

Best Way to Read a Book Cover image

Best Way to Read a Book

LibriVox volunteers bring you 20 recordings of Best Way to Read a Book by Edgar A. Guest. This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for September 12th, 2010.

All That Matters Cover image

All That Matters

A collection of poems about life. Written in an easy and interesting style this book includes poems about many parts of family life, motherhood, babies, dads, and youth. None of them long, they focus the listener on the blessings of life. - Summary...

Workman's Dream Cover image

Workman's Dream

Edgar Albert Guest (20 August 1881 in Birmingham, England – 5 August 1959 in Detroit, Michigan) (aka Eddie Guest) was a prolific English-born American poet who was popular in the first half of the 20th century and became known as the People's Poet. F...

Rhymes of Childhood Cover image

Rhymes of Childhood

Not nursery rhymes, but poems about different scenes of childhood. Poems about Grandpa, Grandma, story time, castor oil, “Wait till your pa comes home!”, and many more. These are sure to evoke nostalgia, lots of smiles, and maybe a couple sighs or te...

Man to Be Cover image

Man to Be

LibriVox volunteers bring you 14 recordings of The Man to Be by Edgar A. Guest. This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for June 14, 2020. ------ A tribute to Fathers contemplating the future of their children. - Summary by David Lawrence

When Day is Done Cover image

When Day is Done

Edgar A. Guest is sometimes known as the "people's poet," noted for his homespun verses of everyday American life and traditional values of home, family, country and faith. This is a collection of his poems reflecting these themes with warmth and hum...