Date of Birth: February 2, 1923
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: January 19, 1997
Biography
James Lafayette Dickey was an acclaimed American novelist and poet, best known for his novel “Deliverance” which was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Dickey developed a passion for literature and poetry at a young age. He attended Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina on a football scholarship but left to join the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he completed his education at Vanderbilt University. Dickey’s early career was marked by his work in advertising, but he eventually transitioned to full-time writing. His first collection of poems, “Into the Stone and Other Poems,” was published in 1960. However, it was his novel “Deliverance” (1970) that brought him widespread fame and critical acclaim. The novel’s themes of nature, survival, and human brutality struck a chord with readers and cemented his place in American literature. In addition to his writing, Dickey was a professor of English and poet-in-residence at the University of South Carolina. His contributions to literature were recognized with numerous awards, including the National Book Award for Poetry.
5 Interesting Facts about James Dickey
1. James Dickey served as a pilot during World War II and the Korean War.
2. He was appointed as the 18th United States Poet Laureate in 1966.
3. Dickey’s novel “Deliverance” was adapted into a successful film in 1972, which he also made a cameo appearance in.
4. He won the National Book Award for Poetry in 1966 for his collection “Buckdancer’s Choice.”
5. Dickey had a passion for music and played the guitar, often integrating musical elements into his poetry readings.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Dickey
1. “A poet is someone who stands outside in the rain hoping to be struck by lightning.”
2. “I learned that killing yourself is only a crude way of saying you’re going to die without a lover.”
3. “The world is gradually becoming a place where I do not care to be anymore.”
4. “Poetry is a connection to the human spirit, to the human soul.”
5. “Deliverance is not for the faint of heart, but for those who wish to confront the primal fears of existence.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
James Dickey’s highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
James Dickey had three children: Christopher, Kevin, and Bronwen. His son Christopher Dickey became a well-known journalist and author.
Relevant Links
1. [James Dickey – Poetry Foundation](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/james-dickey
2. [James Dickey – Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Dickey
3. [James Dickey – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0225601/
4. [James Dickey – National Book Foundation](https://www.nationalbook.org/people/james-dickey/
5. [James Dickey – The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/tag/james-dickey
