Jack Gilbert

Date of Birth: February 18, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: November 13, 2012

Biography

Jack Gilbert was an American poet known for his clear, unadorned verse that often dealt with themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gilbert led a life marked by both personal and professional wanderings. He studied at the University of Pittsburgh and later at San Francisco State University. His poetic career took off with the publication of his first collection, “Views of Jeopardy,” which won the Yale Series of Younger Poets competition in 1962. Despite his early success, Gilbert chose a life of relative obscurity, living in various parts of Europe and the United States, avoiding the literary scene and its trappings. Gilbert’s poetry is characterized by its emotional depth and simplicity, often reflecting his personal experiences, including his relationships and the death of his loved ones. His later works, such as “The Great Fires” and “Refusing Heaven,” received critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a significant contemporary poet. He was awarded numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Gilbert’s work continues to be celebrated for its profound insight into the human experience.

5 Interesting Facts about Jack Gilbert

1. Jack Gilbert’s first poetry collection, “Views of Jeopardy,” was published in 1962 and won the Yale Series of Younger Poets competition.

2. Gilbert spent much of his life living abroad in Europe, including stints in Greece and Denmark.

3. He was married to the poet Linda Gregg, and their relationship significantly influenced his work.

4. Gilbert often shunned publicity and the literary establishment, preferring a life of solitude and reflection.

5. Despite his reclusive nature, he received multiple prestigious awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jack Gilbert

1. “To wake up and love again.”

2. “We must unlearn the constellations to see the stars.”

3. “We end up being all things.”

4. “The lost women. The lost men. The lost children.”

5. “We get to live our lives once.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jack Gilbert’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as he lived a relatively private and modest life, avoiding much of the commercialism associated with literary fame.