Date of Birth: October 30, 1914
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: November 12, 1997
Biography
James Laughlin was an influential American poet, literary publisher, and founder of New Directions Publishing. Born into a wealthy Pittsburgh steel family, Laughlin’s early life was marked by privilege, which allowed him to explore a variety of interests, including literature. He attended Harvard University, where he became involved with literary circles and befriended notable writers and poets. In 1936, encouraged by Ezra Pound, Laughlin founded New Directions Publishing, which became a seminal force in modern American literature, publishing works by authors such as William Carlos Williams, Ezra Pound, Tennessee Williams, and many others. Beyond his role as a publisher, Laughlin was an accomplished poet in his own right, known for his reflective and often experimental verse. His contributions to literature earned him numerous accolades, including the National Book Award for Poetry.
5 Interesting Facts about James Laughlin
1. James Laughlin founded New Directions Publishing at the age of 22.
2. He was encouraged by the poet Ezra Pound to start his own publishing company.
3. Laughlin received the National Book Award for Poetry in 1983.
4. He was a passionate skier and even considered pursuing it professionally before turning to literature.
5. Laughlin’s publishing company was one of the first to publish major works by authors like Henry Miller and Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Laughlin
1. “I wanted to publish books that would make a difference.”
2. “Poetry is the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds.”
3. “A publisher is always a step behind the avant-garde.”
4. “We don’t publish for the money; we publish because we believe in the work.”
5. “A poem is never finished; it’s only abandoned.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, James Laughlin’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, largely due to his successful publishing company.
Children
James Laughlin had three children: Robert Laughlin, Edward Laughlin, and Nina Laughlin.
Relevant Links
1. [James Laughlin – Poetry Foundation](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/james-laughlin
2. [New Directions Publishing – Official Site](https://www.ndbooks.com/
3. [James Laughlin – Encyclopedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Laughlin
5. [James Laughlin – Academy of American Poets](https://poets.org/poet/james-laughlin
