In honor of one of the most influential poems of the 20th century that begins with the line, “April is the cruellest month”, this April check out these biographies about poets, their muses, and their influence. Not a fan of T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land or poetry in general? Try out some memoirs and biographies that don’t rhyme, couplet, or break midsentence— Give prose a chance and learn about some of the most influential poets from different eras.
The World Broke in Two: Virginia Woolf, T. S. Eliot, D. H. Lawrence, E. M. Forster and the Year that Changed Literature by Bill Goldstein
Following the lives of some of the most famous modernist writers in 1922, this book chronicles the personal experiences and literary triumphs of Virginia Woolf, T. S. Eliot, D. H. Lawrence, and E. M. Forster during a pivotal year. If you’re interested in how these writers were propelled by the same artistic movements and environments, this will be a fun read for you.
These Fevered Days: Ten Pivotal Moments in the Making of Emily Dickinson by Martha Ackmann
Ackmann’s narrative on Emily Dickinson focuses on ten experiences throughout her life that had a disproportionate influence on her writing. For any Emily Dickinson fans that would like a glimpse into the world behind some of the most famous poems, this will be sure to deliver.
Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath by Heather Clark
This sprawling, in-depth look at the life of The Bell Jar author and acclaimed poet, Sylvia Plath, will leave you with much to consider. From Plath’s young life and early writings, cultural and mental health challenges, to her tragic early death, this biography has nearly everything you’d want to know about Sylvia Plath.
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Published in 2010, Just Kids is a memoir of songwriter, performer, and poet Patti Smith and her tumultuous relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Smith offers a window into her own career, relationships and personal challenges to make a great read for those who are fans of Smith or her circle of famous beat poet acquaintances. Listen to the author-read audiobook on Hoopla for an added bonus.
Keats: A Brief Life in Nine Poems and One Epitaph by Lucasta Miller
Read about the complicated, romantic, and tragic life of poet John Keats through the lens some of his most influential poems. Author Miller unravels the challenges of Keats’ lack of privilege in literary high society and how he managed to leave an incredible mark on the Romantic movement in just a short time.
Upstream: Selected Essays by Mary Oliver
This 2016 collection of autobiographical essays from renowned Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award contemporary poet, Mary Oliver, deals head on with the concepts of creativity, artistic expression, and finding your way with the help of writers who have come before.
Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s letter to the daughter she never had gives readers a glimpse into one of the most influential American writers. Angelou, in this collection of essays, offers advice to women by sharing some her own life experiences. Part memoir and part guidance, this collection has many takeaways for any Angelou admirers out there.