Howard Nemerov

Date of Birth: February 29, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: July 5, 1991

Biography

Howard Nemerov was a distinguished American poet, novelist, and essayist, known for his keen intellect, wry humor, and philosophical depth. Born in New York City, Nemerov had a rich literary career that spanned several decades. He served as the United States Poet Laureate twice, from 1963 to 1964 and from 1988 to 1990. His body of work includes poetry collections such as “The Salt Garden” and “The Collected Poems of Howard Nemerov,” which won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the Bollingen Prize. Nemerov’s writing often explored themes of nature, human consciousness, and the complexities of modern life. In addition to his literary achievements, Nemerov was also an esteemed educator, teaching at institutions such as Bennington College, Harvard University, and Washington University in St. Louis. His multifaceted career and contributions to American literature have left an indelible mark on the literary world.

5 Interesting Facts about Howard Nemerov

1. Howard Nemerov was both a fighter pilot and a Harvard graduate, serving as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

2. His sister was the renowned photographer Diane Arbus, known for her powerful and often unsettling portraits.

3. Nemerov was appointed as the United States Poet Laureate twice, making him one of only a few poets to have received this honor multiple times.

4. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1978 for his work “The Collected Poems of Howard Nemerov.”

5. In addition to his poetry, Nemerov wrote several novels and essays, showcasing his versatility as a writer.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Howard Nemerov

1. “Write what you know. That should leave you with a lot of free time.”

2. “The spirit world doesn’t admit to clocks, calendars, or filing systems.”

3. “A teacher is a person who never says anything once.”

4. “Language is a form of human reason, which has its internal logic of which man knows nothing.”

5. “The only way out is in.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Howard Nemerov’s highest net worth is not widely documented, as he lived in an era when literary figures often did not accumulate significant wealth. However, his contributions to literature and his numerous awards suggest he enjoyed a respected and comfortable position within the literary community.

Children

Howard Nemerov had three children: Alexander, David, and Anne. His son Alexander Nemerov is a prominent art historian and professor, continuing the family’s tradition of academic and artistic excellence.