John Crowe Ransom, an influential figure in American poetry and criticism, was born on April 30, 1888, in Pulaski, Tennessee. His upbringing blended the artistic influences of his mother, an English teacher, with the profound intellectual curiosity inspired by his father, a Methodist minister. This combination of influences cultivated Ransom's lifelong passion for poetry, language, and metaphysical exploration.

Early Education and Influences

At the young age of fifteen, Ransom enrolled in Vanderbilt University, where he immersed himself in Latin, Greek, philosophy, and history. His academic prowess led to a Rhodes Scholarship nomination, and by 1910, he was studying at Oxford University. During his time at Oxford, Ransom's grounding in classical studies deepened, and his interactions with his peers sparked a keen interest in both British and American literature.

Vanderbilt and the Fugitive Poets

Ransom returned to Vanderbilt University in 1914 as an English faculty member, though his academic career was interrupted by his service in World War I. On his return, he became part of a vibrant group of intellectuals who regularly convened to discuss literature and philosophy. This gathering of minds eventually evolved into the The Fugitive, a literary journal they published between 1922 and 1925, which quickly gained prestige in literary circles for its focus on poetry and critical theory.

Defending Agrarian Traditions

The intellectuals known as the Fugitives, including Ransom, later turned their attention to advocating for the agrarian South. In 1930, they published a series of essays under the title I’ll Take My Stand: The South and the Agrarian Tradition, emphasizing the cultural and artistic values inherent in agrarian life. Unfortunately, the timing of its release during the Great Depression led many to misconstrue the essays as a literal economic remedy rather than an artistic manifesto.

Career Challenges and Transition

Despite his growing reputation in the literary world, Ransom's salary at Vanderbilt remained modest. With a family to support, including his wife Robb Reavil and their three children, he sought additional income through summer teaching. Though he received lucrative offers from other institutions, his sense of duty toward his aging parents kept him in Nashville until 1937, when he accepted a position at Kenyon College in Ohio, drawn by the promise of establishing a new literary journal.

The Kenyon Review and Later Life

Upon moving to Gambier, Ohio, Ransom founded The Kenyon Review, a journal that would become a significant platform for literary criticism and poetics. While fulfilling his duties as a teacher and editor, he also established the Kenyon School of English, aiming to create a dynamic environment for writers and critics to exchange ideas. Although he ceased publishing new poetry after 1945, his contributions to literature were recognized with accolades such as the Bollingen Prize for Poetry in 1951 and the National Book Award for his 1963 edition of Selected Poems.

Legacy and Later Years

Even after his retirement in 1959, Ransom's commitment to poetry and criticism did not wane. He continued to deliver lectures and write essays, sharing his insights on literary criticism until his health began to decline. On July 3, 1974, John Crowe Ransom passed away at his home on the Kenyon College campus, leaving behind a legacy of profound influence on American literature and literary thought.