David Ferry

Date of Birth: June 3, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Biography

David Ferry is an American poet and translator renowned for his mastery of both original verse and the translation of classical texts. Born on June 3, 1924, in Orange, New Jersey, Ferry has made significant contributions to the world of literature through his beautifully crafted poems and translations. He received his B.A. from Amherst College in 1946 and later earned a Ph.D. in English Literature from Harvard University. Ferry has taught at various institutions, including Wellesley College, where he was a beloved professor for many years. Throughout his career, Ferry has published numerous collections of poetry, including “Dwelling Places” (1993), “Of No Country I Know: New and Selected Poems and Translations” (1999), and “Bewilderment: New Poems and Translations” (2012), which won the National Book Award for Poetry. His translations include classical works such as “The Odes of Horace,” “The Eclogues of Virgil,” and “The Aeneid.” Ferry’s work is celebrated for its clarity, emotional depth, and the seamless blending of contemporary and ancient themes. His contributions to literature have earned him numerous accolades, including the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize and the Harold Morton Landon Translation Award.

5 Interesting Facts about David Ferry

1. David Ferry won the National Book Award for Poetry in 2012 for his collection “Bewilderment: New Poems and Translations.”

2. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II before pursuing a career in literature.

3. Ferry has translated several classical texts, including works by Horace and Virgil, making them accessible to contemporary readers.

4. He was awarded the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize in 2011, one of the most prestigious awards in American poetry.

5. Ferry has taught at several esteemed institutions, including Wellesley College, where he was a professor for many years.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Ferry

1. “The art of translation is the art of failure. The effort is always to get it right, but you never do.”

2. “Poetry is the language of intensity. Because we are going to die, an expression of intensity is justified.”

3. “Every poem is a momentary stay against the confusion of the world.”

4. “The work of the poet is to name what is holy and to make holy what is named.”

5. “A good poem is a contribution to reality. The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

David Ferry’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but as a successful poet and translator with numerous awards, his contributions to literature have been invaluable.