Edward Estlin Cummings
Quick Bio:
Cummings is one of the most innovative contemporary poets,
though in some ways is oddly traditional. He drops or distorts punctuation
and syntax, but at the same time uses rhymes and off-rhymes more
characteristic of earlier styles. Cummings published more than nine hundred
poems and other works, some listed below.
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Edward Estlin Cummings was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts
on October 14, 1894. He earned a BA from Harvard and volunteered to go
to France during World War I with the Ambulance Corps. After the war, he
stayed in Paris, writing and painting, and later returned to the US. He
died in Conway, New Hampshire, in 1962.
What is cummings' love history?
E. E. Cummings married three times. His first marriage to Elaine
Orr (who left her husband for him) lasted only 6 months. His second marriage,
to Ann Barton was a stormy, passionate one lasting only a few years. He
at last met Marion Morehouse, an actress, model, and photographer, whom
he married and lived with for the remaining 30 years of his life.
Does he have any children?
Cummings had one daughter, Nancy, from his first marriage.
How do I really spell his name?
Some say "e. e. cummings" is the spelling legalized by the author
himself as his signature to his poems, but this is apparently a myth. The
official spelling is capitalized correctly, though more often fans will
uncapitalize in commemeration of his revolutionary style.
How do I understand his poetry?
This is clearly a subjective question, but given the volume of
email received on this topic, here is a hint
page to help out.
What is nascitur?
It is a latin word meaning "he is born." You will find
it in at least two of Cummings' works. He seemed to be very interested
in birth (read the Intro to New Poems, below).
Was Cummings "just" a poet?
During his life, Cummings unveiled essays, paintings, drawings,
and even several plays, including the bizarre-cool "Him".
Where can I learn more about him?
Read Dreams in the Mirror. Order it
here.
Collections
Thank you to
W. W. Norton & Company for allowing me to post the
above selection of Cummings' work! This site was approved
by the E. E. Cummings Copyright Trust
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