David Lehman
David Lehman
Full Name and Common Aliases
David Lehman is a renowned American poet, critic, and editor, best known for his poetic collections and essays on poetry.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: February 15, 1948
No information available on his death date (as of writing)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American; Poet, Critic, Editor
Early Life and Background
David Lehman was born in New York City to a family of Jewish immigrants. Growing up in the Bronx, he developed an interest in poetry at an early age, influenced by the works of W.H. Auden, T.S. Eliot, and other modernist poets.
Lehman attended Lehigh University, where he began writing his own poetry. After graduating with a degree in English Literature, he went on to earn his M.A. from Columbia University's School of General Studies. His early career was marked by stints as an editor at various publications, including _The Paris Review_.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Lehman has received numerous accolades for his poetry and criticism. Some notable achievements include:
The New York Times called him "one of the most intelligent and witty poets writing today."
He was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry three times (1992, 2006, and 2011).
Lehman's collection _The Best American Poetry 2000_ won the Harold D. Vorhis Award for Excellence in Literary Criticism.Notable Works or Actions
Lehman has published over a dozen collections of poetry, including _Names of the Lost_, _When a Woman Loves a Man_, and _New and Selected Poems_. His critical work includes _The Last Avant-Garde: The Making of the New York School of Poets_.
One of his most notable contributions is editing the annual anthology _The Best American Poetry series_, which he has overseen since 1990. This prestigious collection brings together some of the best and most innovative poetry from across the United States, providing a platform for emerging voices as well as established poets like himself.
Impact and Legacy
David Lehman's impact on contemporary poetry is undeniable. His own work has been praised for its lyricism, intellectual curiosity, and nuanced exploration of human experience. Through his editorial work with _The Best American Poetry series_, he has played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of the United States.
Lehman's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and styles has helped to democratize poetry, making it more accessible to readers from all walks of life. His legacy extends beyond his own writing; he continues to inspire new generations of poets through his mentorship and advocacy for the art form.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
David Lehman is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Intellectual curiosity: His poetry and criticism are characterized by a deep engagement with the world around him, reflecting a passion for learning and exploration.
Lyrical skill: Lehman's poetry is marked by its musicality, with a distinctive use of language that rewards close reading and rereading.
Commitment to diversity: Through his editorial work, he has helped to promote the work of underrepresented voices in American poetry, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant literary landscape.
In summary, David Lehman is a poet, critic, and editor whose contributions to American literature are multifaceted and far-reaching. His legacy as a champion of innovative poetry continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
Quotes by David Lehman
If you’re not paying for it through the health plan, you pay for it in the emergency room.
If you have too good a time writing hostile reviews, you’ll injure not only your sensibility but your soul.
I am completing a book I began back in 2002 called ‘Poems in the Manner of.’ ‘The Matador of Metaphor’ is from this manuscript. It is an homage to Wallace Stevens that appropriates certain of his techniques.
Obscurantism is the academic theorist’s revenge on society for having consigned him or her to relative obscurity – a way of proclaiming one’s superiority in the face of one’s diminished influence.
The governor believes that people should pay a part of their own costs when accessing health care services.
The best song lyrics seem to me so artful, so brilliant, so warm and humorous, with both passion and wit, that my admiration is matched only by my envy.
Words have no single fixed meaning. Like wayward electrons, they can spin away from their initial orbits and enter a wider magnetic field. No one owns them or has a proprietary right to dictate how they will be used.
Obscurantism is the academic theorist's revenge on society for having consigned him or her to relative obscurity - a way of proclaiming one's superiority in the face of one's diminished influence.