Archibald MacLeish

Date of Birth: May 7, 1892

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: April 20, 1982

Biography

Archibald MacLeish was a distinguished American poet, playwright, and public servant, who played a significant role in the cultural and literary landscape of the 20th century. Born in Glencoe, Illinois, MacLeish pursued his education at Yale University and later at Harvard Law School. After serving in World War I, he devoted himself to writing, producing a body of work that earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including three Pulitzer Prizes. MacLeish’s poetry often explored themes of nature, human experience, and democracy. His work as a playwright also received praise, with several of his plays produced on Broadway. Beyond his literary accomplishments, MacLeish was actively involved in public service. He served as the Librarian of Congress from 1939 to 1944, a position in which he modernized the institution and advocated for the role of libraries in democratic society. He also worked as the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and was instrumental in the founding of UNESCO.

5 Interesting Facts about Archibald MacLeish

1. Archibald MacLeish won three Pulitzer Prizes in his career: one for poetry, one for drama, and one for his verse play “J.B.”

2. He was a close friend and contemporary of notable literary figures such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

3. MacLeish served as the Librarian of Congress from 1939 to 1944, during which time he significantly expanded the Library’s collections and outreach.

4. He was a vocal advocate for freedom of expression and used his poetry and public service roles to champion democratic values.

5. MacLeish was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Archibald MacLeish

1. “A poem should not mean but be.”

2. “We have learned the answers, all the answers: it is the question that we do not know.”

3. “What is more important in a library than anything else – than everything else – is the fact that it exists.”

4. “Democracy is never a thing done. Democracy is always something that a nation must be doing.”

5. “The American journey has not ended. America is always still to build.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While Archibald MacLeish’s primary focus was not on amassing personal wealth, his contributions to literature, public service, and his various prizes and awards suggest a modest but comfortable living. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but his legacy is measured more by his cultural impact than financial success.

Children

Archibald MacLeish and his wife, Ada Hitchcock MacLeish, had four children: Kenneth, Mary Hillard, Peter, and William. Kenneth, a World War II aviator, tragically died in a plane crash during the war.