Richard Wilbur

Date of Birth: March 1, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: October 14, 2017

Biography

Richard Wilbur was an acclaimed American poet and literary figure, known for his mastery of traditional forms and eloquent, precise language. Born on March 1, 1921, in New York City, Wilbur grew up in a literary environment, with his father being an artist and his mother a playwright. He attended Amherst College, where he began writing poetry, and served as a cryptographer in Europe during World War II. His experiences during the war significantly influenced his early poetry. After the war, Wilbur completed his education at Harvard University, where he earned a master’s degree. His first book of poems, “The Beautiful Changes and Other Poems,” was published in 1947 and received critical acclaim. Wilbur’s work often reflects themes of nature, human experience, and the interplay between reality and imagination. Throughout his career, Wilbur received numerous awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry, the National Book Award, and the Bollingen Prize. He served as the United States Poet Laureate from 1987 to 1988. In addition to his poetry, Wilbur was a respected translator of French literature, particularly the works of Molière. He also taught at various institutions, including Wesleyan University and Smith College. Richard Wilbur passed away on October 14, 2017, leaving behind a legacy as one of America’s most distinguished poets.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard Wilbur

1. Richard Wilbur won two Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry, first in 1957 for “Things of This World” and again in 1989 for “New and Collected Poems.”

2. He served as the second United States Poet Laureate from 1987 to 1988.

3. Wilbur was also a renowned translator of French literature and was particularly known for his translations of Molière’s plays.

4. During World War II, he served as a cryptographer in Europe, an experience that deeply influenced his poetry.

5. He taught at several prestigious institutions, including Wesleyan University and Smith College, and influenced many young poets and writers.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Wilbur

1. “The strength of the genie comes of being a slave.”

2. “Poetry is a way of looking at the world for the first time.”

3. “What is a poet? He is a man who goes for walks.”

4. “It is true that the poet does not directly address his readers. He addresses himself to the gods.”

5. “Step off assuredly into the blank of your mind. Something will come to you.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Richard Wilbur’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, primarily derived from his poetry, translations, and teaching positions.

Children

Richard Wilbur and his wife, Charlotte Hayes Ward, had four children: Ellen Wilbur, Christopher Wilbur, Nathan Wilbur, and Aaron Wilbur. Ellen Wilbur followed in her father’s literary footsteps and became a writer.