Date of Birth: October 12, 1908
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: March 22, 1991
Biography
Paul Engle was an influential American poet, writer, and literary critic born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is best known for his significant contributions to the world of literature and his pivotal role in the development of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, one of the most prestigious creative writing programs in the United States. Engle’s commitment to nurturing literary talent and his own poetic endeavors have left a lasting legacy in the world of literature. Engle graduated from Coe College in 1931, and later earned his M.A. from Columbia University in 1932. He was a Rhodes Scholar at Merton College, Oxford, where he published his first collection of poems, “Worn Earth,” in 1932. His work earned him numerous accolades, including a Yale Series of Younger Poets Prize. In 1941, Engle became the director of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where he served until 1965. Under his leadership, the workshop grew in prestige and became a model for creative writing programs around the world. Engle’s vision and dedication to creative writing education were instrumental in shaping the careers of many notable writers. Engle continued to write and publish poetry throughout his life, and his contributions to literature were recognized with numerous awards and honors. His passion for literature extended beyond his own writing, as he sought to create opportunities for other writers to develop and share their voices.
5 Interesting Facts about Paul Engle
1. Paul Engle was a Rhodes Scholar, which allowed him to study at Merton College, Oxford.
2. He published his first book of poetry, “Worn Earth,” while still a student at Oxford.
3. Engle was the director of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop for nearly 25 years, significantly shaping its development.
4. He co-founded the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa in 1967 with his wife, Hualing Nieh Engle.
5. Engle received the Robert Frost Medal for distinguished lifetime service to American poetry in 1980.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Paul Engle
1. “Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power.”
2. “A writer is a person for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.”
3. “Poetry is like an iceberg: the visible part is only a small fraction of what it really is.”
4. “Writing is not a job but a way of life.”
5. “The true poet is never through with his work. He is always trying to perfect it.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Paul Engle’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his influence and contributions to literature and education were invaluable.
Children
Paul Engle and his wife, Hualing Nieh Engle, did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Paul Engle – Poetry Foundation](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/paul-engle
2. [Paul Engle – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Engle
3. [The Iowa Writers’ Workshop – University of Iowa](https://writersworkshop.uiowa.edu/
5. [Rhodes Trust – Paul Engle](https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/
