Forrest Gander
Forrest Gander
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Forrest Gander is an American poet, critic, translator, and novelist.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 25, 1956, in Oakdale, California. No death date provided.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American poet, critic, translator, and novelist.
Early Life and Background
Gander grew up in rural New Mexico and developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. He spent much of his childhood exploring the desert landscapes surrounding his home. This early connection to nature would later influence his writing, which often explores themes of place, culture, and identity.
After completing high school, Gander moved to Santa Fe, where he began studying literature at St. John's College. However, it was during a semester abroad in Florence that he discovered his passion for poetry. He went on to earn an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop.
Major Accomplishments
Gander's writing career spans over three decades and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. His first book of poems, "Eye Against Eye," was published in 1992 to critical acclaim. Since then, he has released several collections, including "Torch" (2001), "Science Fiction" (2014).
He has also made a significant impact as a translator, bringing the works of poets such as Pablo Antonio Cuadra and Nicanor Parra to English-speaking audiences. Gander's translations have been praised for their lyricism and nuance, capturing the essence of the original texts while remaining true to their cultural context.
Notable Works or Actions
Gander has written extensively on poetry and poetics, with essays appearing in publications such as The New Yorker, Harper's Magazine, and The Paris Review. His work often explores the intersection of language, culture, and history, reflecting his interest in the ways that words can shape our understanding of the world.
In addition to his writing, Gander has taught at various institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, and New York University. He is currently a professor of English and comparative literature at Bard College.
Impact and Legacy
Forrest Gander's unique voice and perspective have made him a respected figure in contemporary poetry. His work continues to inspire readers and writers alike, encouraging them to think critically about the ways that language can be used to explore the complexities of human experience.
Through his writing and translations, Gander has helped to bridge cultural divides, making it possible for readers to engage with poetry from around the world. His commitment to linguistic diversity and cultural exchange has had a lasting impact on the literary landscape.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Forrest Gander's quotes are often sought after because of his insightful commentary on poetry, culture, and identity. His writing is characterized by its lyricism and intellectual curiosity, making him a valuable source for readers looking to engage with complex ideas in an accessible way.
Gander's work has been widely praised for its nuance and sensitivity, reflecting his deep understanding of the ways that language can be used to explore the human experience. As a poet, critic, translator, and novelist, he has made significant contributions to various fields, cementing his reputation as one of the most innovative and important voices in contemporary literature.
Quotes by Forrest Gander
Forrest Gander's insights on:
Oh, when you get down to the licklog, just to be a good friend. To be consequent to those around me. I guess I can’t see any virtue higher than that.
Within ten minutes of meeting, we’d exchanged love letters from the corners of our eyes.
In mauve sea-orchids as in her striking earlier book Guardians of the Secret, Lila Zemborain brings into relationship the viscera of the body and the spill of the universe in tense compositions that blur distinctions between lyric and prose poetry, between science and eros.
You findyourself in anotherworld you weren’tlooking for wherewhat you see is thatyou have always beenthe wolvesat the door. Leftajar, gaping, your owndoor.
The break-harddetermination tobe a good person,what happened to that? Howis it trueI have togo now? She's lostmy name, but theoccasion of mypresence begsmore. Who is mymother now I amunspoken for?
At which point I grew old and it was like ripping open the beehive with my hands again.At which point I conceived a realm more real than life.At which point there was at least some possibility.Some possibility, in which I didn’t believe, of being with her once more.
At which point my grief-sounds ricocheted outside of language.Something like a drifting swarm of bees.At which point in the tetric silence that followedI was swarmed by those bees and lost consciousness.At which point there was no way out for me either.
And then smelling it,feeling it beforethe sound even reacheshim, he kneels atcliff’s edge and for thefirst time, turns hishead toward the nowvisible falls thatgush over a quarter-mile of uplifted sheet-granite across the valleyand he pauses,lowering his eyesfor a moment, unableto withstand thetranquility—vast, unencumbered,terrifying, and primal.