Van Wyck Brooks

Date of Birth: February 16, 1886

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: May 2, 1963

Biography

Van Wyck Brooks (February 16, 1886 – May 2, 1963) was a distinguished American literary critic, biographer, and historian. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, Brooks had a profound impact on the literary world through his extensive writings and acute insights into American literature. He attended Harvard University, where he was deeply influenced by his professors and peers, which propelled him into a life of literary critique and historical analysis. Brooks is most celebrated for his series of studies that chronicle the lives and works of American writers, beginning with “America’s Coming-of-Age” (1915) and culminating in his five-volume work, “Makers and Finders: A History of the Writer in America, 1800-1915.” His works offered a nuanced look at American literary history and its cultural context, providing a critical framework that has influenced generations of scholars and readers. Throughout his career, Brooks received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1937 for “The Flowering of New England, 1815–1865.” His critiques often bridged the gap between historical scholarship and literary criticism, making his contributions invaluable to both fields. Brooks’s legacy is marked by his commitment to understanding and interpreting the American literary tradition, and his works continue to be a cornerstone in the study of American literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Van Wyck Brooks

1. Van Wyck Brooks was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1937 for “The Flowering of New England, 1815-1865.”

2. He was known for his belief in the importance of a national literature that reflects the unique American experience.

3. Brooks was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, an honor recognizing his significant contributions to literature.

4. He played a crucial role in reviving interest in forgotten American authors and was instrumental in the literary renaissance of the early 20th century.

5. Brooks was a vocal critic of the “genteel tradition” in American literature, advocating for a more realistic and robust portrayal of American life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Van Wyck Brooks

1. “The creative impulses of man are always at war with the possessive impulses.”

2. “Genius and virtue are to be more often found clothed in gray than in peacock bright.”

3. “No one can grow if he does not accept his smallness.”

4. “The world is full of people who have never, since childhood, met an open doorway with an open mind.”

5. “People of small caliber are always carping. They are bent on showing their own superiority, their knowledge or prowess or good breeding.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures are not readily available, Van Wyck Brooks’s highest net worth was primarily derived from his successful writing and lectures, as well as the awards and grants he received during his illustrious career.