Edward Hirsch

Date of Birth: January 20, 1950

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Edward Hirsch is a celebrated American poet and literary critic born on January 20, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois. Known for his deeply reflective and poignant poetry, Hirsch’s work often explores themes of love, loss, and human connection. He graduated from Grinnell College in 1972 and later earned a Ph.D. in folklore from the University of Pennsylvania. Over the decades, Hirsch has been a prominent figure in the literary world, contributing significantly to the appreciation and understanding of poetry. Hirsch’s first collection of poems, “For the Sleepwalkers,” published in 1981, won the Lavan Younger Poets Award from the Academy of American Poets and immediately established him as a powerful new voice in American poetry. He has since published several more collections, including “Wild Gratitude,” which won the National Book Critics Circle Award, and “The Living Fire: New and Selected Poems,” showcasing his enduring talent and versatility. In addition to his poetry, Hirsch has written extensively about literature for major publications and served as the president of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation from 2003 to 2020. His dedication to the craft of poetry and his efforts to support other artists have made him a respected and influential figure in the arts community.

5 Interesting Facts about Edward Hirsch

1. Edward Hirsch’s book “How to Read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry,” published in 1999, is a widely acclaimed guide that has inspired countless readers to engage more deeply with poetry.

2. He has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including a MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as a “genius grant.”

3. Hirsch’s poem “Special Orders,” written about the grief of losing his son Gabriel, is one of his most moving and personal works.

4. He has served as a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets, contributing to the promotion and appreciation of poetry nationwide.

5. In addition to his literary achievements, Hirsch is also an accomplished educator, having taught creative writing at Wayne State University and the University of Houston.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edward Hirsch

1. “Poetry is a way of remembering what it would impoverish us to forget.”

2. “I believe in the power of the human voice and the role of art to bring about change.”

3. “To be a poet is a condition, not a profession.”

4. “Reading poetry is an adventure in renewal, a creative act, a perpetual beginning, a rebirth of wonder.”

5. “Every poem breaks a silence that had to be overcome.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Edward Hirsch is estimated to be around $4 million.

Children

Edward Hirsch had one child, his son Gabriel. Unfortunately, Gabriel passed away at the age of 22, a tragic event that deeply influenced Hirsch’s later work.