Kunitz, Stanley J(asspon) 1905–

An American poet, editor, essayist, translator, and journalist, Kunitz has been a critically neglected but important voice in contemporary poetry. His work is skillfully crafted, incorporating the rhythms of natural speech, and evidencing a fine ear for the musical cadence of phrases. Often considered metaphysical, his is an intensely personal poetry, exploring the mystery of self and the intricacies of time. Kunitz won a Pulitzer Prize in 1959 for Selected Poems, 1928–1958. (See also CLC, Vols. 6, 11, and Contemporary Authors, Vols. 41-44, rev. ed.)