Donald Justice

Date of Birth: August 12, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: August 6, 2004

Biography

Donald Justice was an American poet and educator, renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship and emotional depth in his poetry. Born in Miami, Florida, Justice developed a passion for literature early in life, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, a master’s from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He taught at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Iowa, Stanford University, and the University of Florida. Justice’s poetry often delves into themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time, reflecting his sensitivity to the human condition. His major works include “The Summer Anniversaries,” “Night Light,” and “Selected Poems,” the latter of which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1980. Justice’s influence extended beyond his own writing; he was also a respected mentor to many young poets.

5 Interesting Facts about Donald Justice

1. Donald Justice won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1980 for his “Selected Poems.”

2. He was also a talented musician, particularly in piano, and composed music for some of his poems.

3. Justice served as a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets from 1997 to 2003.

4. He was a recipient of the Bollingen Prize for Poetry in 1991.

5. Justice’s work has been praised for its formal precision and emotional resonance.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Donald Justice

1. “Men at forty learn to close softly the doors to rooms they will not be coming back to.”

2. “The poet’s function is to make his imagination become the light in the mind of others.”

3. “Poetry is one of the ancient arts, and it begins as did all the fine arts, within the original wilderness of the earth.”

4. “The poet cannot invent his subject; he can only find it.”

5. “The things that one most wants to do are the things that are probably most worth doing.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Donald Justice was not known for his wealth, as poets typically do not achieve significant financial success. His highest net worth was modest, reflecting the typical earnings of an academic and poet.