Date of Birth: May 12, 1855
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: January 2, 1930
Biography
George Edward Woodberry was an American literary critic, poet, and educator known for his insightful analyses and passionate advocacy for the arts. Born in Beverly, Massachusetts, Woodberry demonstrated an early talent for literature and writing. He graduated from Harvard University in 1877, where he excelled academically and developed his lifelong interest in poetry and criticism. Woodberry’s career spanned several decades during which he published numerous essays, critical works, and poetry collections. His critical approach was characterized by a deep appreciation for the moral and aesthetic dimensions of literature. He held professorships at various institutions, including the University of Nebraska and Columbia University. At Columbia, he was appointed the first Professor of Comparative Literature in the United States, a position he used to broaden the horizons of literary study. Woodberry’s work often reflected his belief in the redemptive power of art and literature. He was a contemporary of many notable literary figures and maintained correspondence with several of them, contributing to the intellectual discourse of his time. His legacy includes not only his critical writings but also his influence on the study and appreciation of literature in America.
5 Interesting Facts about George Edward Woodberry
1. George Edward Woodberry was the first Professor of Comparative Literature in the United States.
2. He was a contemporary and correspondent of several literary figures, including Walt Whitman and Edmund Clarence Stedman.
3. Woodberry published a biography of Edgar Allan Poe that became a seminal work in Poe studies.
4. He was an advocate for the moral and aesthetic significance of literature, often emphasizing its redemptive power.
5. Despite his significant contributions to literary criticism, Woodberry also published several volumes of poetry, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Edward Woodberry
1. “Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.”
2. “The growth of art seems to be in cycles, and often its richest fruit is produced in periods of decadence.”
3. “The literature of the world is the great heritage of mankind.”
4. “A writer is dear and necessary for us only in the measure of which he reveals to us the inner workings of his very soul.”
5. “No one has yet drunk a cup of honey without mixing it with a little poison.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by George Edward Woodberry is not well-documented, but his contributions to literature and academia were invaluable.
Children
George Edward Woodberry did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [George Edward Woodberry – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Edward_Woodberry
3. [Harvard University Archives](https://library.harvard.edu/university-archives
4. [Columbia University – Department of Comparative Literature](https://complit.columbia.edu/
