Biography
Kenneth Rexroth was a man of many talents, who wore numerous intellectual hats throughout his life. His pursuits spanned literature, politics, music, languages, art, and religion, marking him as a true Renaissance figure. Born in South Bend, Indiana, on December 22, 1905, Rexroth's life was defined by personal tragedy, artistic exploration, and a relentless quest for knowledge.
Early Life and Education
The son of Charles and Delia Reed Rexroth, Kenneth lost his mother to tuberculosis in 1916, an event that profoundly impacted him. His father, a pharmacist whose business failed, succumbed to alcoholism two years later. Orphaned at a young age, Rexroth was raised by his aunt in Chicago's South Side. His education was eclectic; he attended the Art Institute of Chicago and took classes at the University of Chicago but did not follow a traditional academic path. By sixteen, he was already traversing the United States, and later ventured to Europe and Mexico, experiences that would shape his worldview and literary voice.
Personal Life
Rexroth's personal life was as complex as his intellectual pursuits. Over his lifetime, he was married four times. His first marriage to Andrée Dutcher ended with her death in 1940, the same year he wed Marie Cass, whom he divorced in 1948. His third marriage to Marthe Larsen produced two daughters, Mary and Katherine, but ended in 1961. In 1974, he married poet Carol Tinker, who remained his partner until his death.
Writing and Poetry
During the interwar period, Rexroth focused largely on political activism, but he also penned two significant philosophical poems: The Homestead Called Damascus and The Art of Worldly Wisdom, which were published later. His poetic career took a definitive turn with the release of In What Hour in 1940, followed by the publication of The Phoenix and the Tortoise. Over his lifetime, he published around fifty volumes encompassing poetry, criticism, translations, and autobiographies.
Versatile Themes and Styles
Rexroth's poetry collections, including The Collected Shorter Poems, The Collected Longer Poems, New Poems, and The Morning Star, reveal the diversity of his interests. His work spans themes from anarchism to Buddhism, environmental issues to Eastern philosophy. His early fascination with cubism evolved into the Objectivism seen in his poetry, aligning him with contemporaries like William Carlos Williams and Louis Zukofsky. These collections include a wide variety of poetry types: love, political, nature, social, travel, and translations, each crafted with depth and emotion. Dedications to figures such as Tristan Tzara and Dylan Thomas highlight his cultural reach.
Translation Work
Rexroth's translation efforts were instrumental in introducing Eastern poetry to Western audiences. His works like One Hundred Poems from the Japanese and One Hundred Poems from the Chinese are celebrated for their accessibility and beauty. He also translated from Greek, Latin, Spanish, and French, bringing poets like Pierre Reverdy to English-speaking readers. His engagement with Japanese culture even saw his own poetry translated into Japanese.
Autobiographical Insights
An Autobiographical Novel offers a glimpse into Rexroth's formative years. Initially recorded as tapes for his daughters and broadcast on Pacifica radio, the book captures his early artistic experiments, political involvement, spiritual journey, and environmental advocacy. The text retains a conversational tone, reflecting its origins in spoken word.
Essays and Criticism
Rexroth's essays are sharp and provocative, often challenging mainstream literary and societal norms. His critiques dismantle revered figures like T. S. Eliot, critique the New Critics, and champion neglected poets such as Mina Loy. He was a formidable voice against the complacency of literary establishments, advocating for a literature that is imaginative and boundary-pushing.
Influence on the Literary Scene
In 1956,...
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Rexroth emerged as a pivotal figure in the San Francisco poetry renaissance, aligning with the burgeoning Beat movement. He famously emceed the Six Gallery reading where Allen Ginsberg debuted "Howl." Rexroth's ability to discern and distance himself from formulaic trends in literature testified to his commitment to authenticity and innovation.
Later Life and Spiritual Journey
The latter part of Rexroth's life was marked by recognition through literary prizes and teaching stints at universities. A Rockefeller Foundation grant in 1967 allowed him to travel globally, deepening his spiritual and philosophical insights. His later writings, including The Orchid Boat and The Burning Heart, focused on translations of Chinese and Japanese women poets, contributing to a wider appreciation of women's literature. His spiritual exploration led him through Buddhism, Episcopalianism, and eventually Roman Catholicism, culminating in his baptism in 1981, shortly before his passing in Santa Barbara, California.
Criticism by Kenneth Rexroth
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Chekhov's Plays
Anton Chekhov Criticism
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An introduction to D. H. Lawrence: Selected Poems
D. H. Lawrence Criticism
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The Poetry of D. H. Lawrence
D. H. Lawrence Criticism
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Denise Levertov
Denise Levertov Criticism
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Robert Burns
Robert Burns Criticism
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San Francisco Letter
Howl Criticism
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Poetic Responses
Muriel Rukeyser Criticism
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The Poetic Vision of Muriel Rukeyser
Muriel Rukeyser Criticism
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Cooey-Booey Cubist
Blaise Cendrars Criticism
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On Lagerkvist's 'Evening Land'
Pär Lagerkvist Criticism
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On Carolyn Forché
Carolyn Forché Criticism
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From the Past, Two Familiar Voices
Louis Zukofsky Criticism
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Ids and Animuses
Leslie Fiedler Criticism
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A foreword to White Chrysanthemums: Literary Fragments and Pronouncements
Sadakichi Hartmann Criticism
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Shape and Substance
Philip Booth Criticism
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Written in American
Thomas McGrath Criticism
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A Publicist in Poetry
Peter Viereck Criticism
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The Residual Years: Poems 1934–1948
William Everson Criticism