Guillaume Apollinaire holds a pivotal place in early twentieth-century literature. His innovative use of clear expression and unique poetic forms left a significant mark on avant-garde art movements, influencing both his contemporaries and later poets. Apollinaire's contributions are especially notable in the development of cubism and surrealism in modern poetic thought.

Early Life and Background

Born as Wilhelm Apollinaris de Kostrowitzky in Rome on August 26, 1880, Apollinaire's lineage is shrouded in mystery. His mother, Angeliska Alexandrina Kostrowitzky, a Polish aristocrat, documented different names for him, complicating his exact identity. His father was likely Francesco-Constantino-Camillo Flugi d'Aspermont, an Italian army officer known for his gambling. Following the end of their relationship, Apollinaire's mother relocated with her children to the French Riviera. Here, young Apollinaire excelled as a student at Collège Saint-Charles in Monaco, where he captivated classmates with his vibrant storytelling. However, his passion for poetry over academics led to his failure to graduate from the Lycée de Nice.

Career Beginnings in Paris

In 1899, Apollinaire moved to Paris with his family and began working in various roles including a copyist and a secretary, eventually writing for the newspaper Le matin. His story, Que faire? (What to Do?), serialized in the paper and later published as a novel in 1950, showcased his signature blend of romance, fantasy, and imagination. Despite his creative success, writing alone did not suffice financially. Consequently, in 1901, he accepted a tutoring position in Germany, which afforded him ample time to read and write.

Return to Paris and Literary Connections

After a romantic rejection in Germany, Apollinaire returned to Paris in 1902, securing a job in banking. He immersed himself in literary circles, mingling with poets like Stuart Merrill and René Ghil. During this period, he launched Le festin d'Esope (1903–1904), a small literary magazine that featured his stories and reflections.

Explorations in Literature and Art

To supplement his income, Apollinaire turned to the distribution and creation of pornography, authoring works such as Les exploits d'un jeune Don Juan (The Exploits of a Young Don Juan) and Les onze mille verges (The Eleven Thousand Rods), both of which emerged as classic pieces in erotic literature by 1907. His encounter with Pablo Picasso in 1904 sparked a profound interest in modern art, prompting him to become a fervent advocate of cubism through his articles and lectures. Apollinaire's pioneering spirit also led him to introduce the term "surrealism."

Establishment of Literary Fame

Apollinaire's literary stature was solidified with the 1910 publication of his short stories collection L'Hérésiarque et cie (translated as The Heresiarch and Co, 1965), which was recognized as a contender for the prestigious Prix Goncourt. His poetry collections, Alcools: Poèmes 1898–1913 (1913; translated as Alcools: Poems, 1898–1913, 1964) and Calligrammes: Poèmes de la paix et de la guerre, 1913–1916 (1918; translated as Calligrammes: Poems of Peace and War (1913–1916), 1980), which includes the notable poem "Always," are celebrated as his masterpieces.

War and Final Years

With the onset of World War I in 1914, the focus in Paris shifted from the arts to the battlefield. Apollinaire joined an artillery regiment stationed in Nîmes. The war profoundly shaped his work in Calligrammes, reflecting his frontline experiences. On March 17, 1916, he suffered a severe injury during combat. Upon recovery, he resumed his literary pursuits in Paris. Tragically, on November 9, 1918, just two days before the end of the war, Apollinaire succumbed to influenza, marking the premature end of a remarkable life and career.