Karl Shapiro

Date of Birth: November 10, 1913

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: May 14, 2000

Biography

Karl Shapiro was an influential American poet, born on November 10, 1913, in Baltimore, Maryland. He is best known for his keen observations and lyrical poetry that often reflected on the intricacies of everyday life and the human condition. Shapiro attended the University of Virginia, where he began to develop his unique poetic voice. His work gained significant recognition during World War II, a time when he served in the United States Army. It was during this period that he wrote “V-Letter and Other Poems,” which won him the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1945. Throughout his career, Shapiro taught at several universities, including Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, Davis. He also served as the editor of *Poetry* magazine, one of the most prestigious literary journals in the United States, from 1948 to 1950. His poetry often explored themes of war, identity, and the mundane aspects of life, delivered with a sharp, introspective wit. Shapiro’s contributions to literature were widely recognized, and he received numerous awards and honors. His work remains influential, and he is remembered as a poet who deftly blended the personal with the universal in his writings.

5 Interesting Facts about Karl Shapiro

1. Karl Shapiro won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1945 for his collection “V-Letter and Other Poems.”

2. During World War II, Shapiro served as a medical corpsman in the United States Army, an experience that deeply influenced his poetry.

3. He was the editor of *Poetry* magazine from 1948 to 1950, playing a significant role in shaping mid-20th century American poetry.

4. Shapiro’s poetry often tackled themes of war, identity, and the human experience with a keen observational eye and sharp wit.

5. He was a professor at several prestigious universities, including Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, Davis.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Karl Shapiro

1. “Poetry is an art spoken, as music is an art played.”

2. “The modern poet must write through the weariness of his own existence.”

3. “In the aquarium of my mind, no one visits.”

4. “The poet’s job is to tell the truth, even if it is only a tiny part of the truth.”

5. “I see myself as an individualist, a maverick, a poet.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Karl Shapiro is not well-documented, but his substantial contributions to literature and academia suggest a successful career.

Children

Karl Shapiro had two children with his first wife, Evelyn Katz: a daughter, Nicole, and a son, Lionel. He later married his second wife, Sophie Wilkins, but they did not have any children together.