Kenneth Rexroth

Date of Birth: December 22, 1905

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: June 6, 1982

Biography

Kenneth Rexroth was an influential American poet, translator, and essayist, often credited as a central figure in the San Francisco Renaissance. Born in South Bend, Indiana, Rexroth was a literary polymath whose works spanned poetry, translation, and social commentary. Known for his articulate and impassioned verse, Rexroth’s poetry often delved into themes of love, nature, politics, and spirituality. He published numerous collections of poetry, including “In What Hour” (1940) and “The Phoenix and the Tortoise” (1944), as well as translations of Chinese and Japanese poetry. His engagement with Eastern philosophies and literary traditions significantly enriched his work and broadened the scope of American poetry. A committed anarchist and pacifist, Rexroth’s political beliefs infused his literary output and public life. He was deeply involved in the countercultural movements of the mid-20th century and became a mentor to many younger poets, including those associated with the Beat Generation. Rexroth’s legacy is marked by his dedication to artistic integrity and social justice, making him a revered figure in American letters.

5 Interesting Facts about Kenneth Rexroth

1. Kenneth Rexroth was a self-taught scholar who learned multiple languages, including Greek, Latin, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.

2. He was a significant influence on the Beat Generation, mentoring poets like Allen Ginsberg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti.

3. Rexroth was an accomplished painter and had several exhibitions of his artwork.

4. He was known for his live radio broadcasts of poetry and jazz, which helped popularize poetry in the 1950s and 1960s.

5. Rexroth’s translations of Chinese and Japanese poetry are highly regarded and considered some of the best in the English language.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kenneth Rexroth

1. “Against the ruin of the world, there is only one defense: the creative act.”

2. “All human beings are also dream beings. Dreaming ties all mankind together.”

3. “As a poet, I would say everything is poetry; everything is poetry in the sense that we are poetic beings.”

4. “You don’t become a saint until you lead a good many people to achieve a better life than you yourself led.”

5. “In the dark, the only thing you can do is to hold on to the light.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Kenneth Rexroth’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a poet and translator, his primary contributions were literary rather than financial.