Malcolm Cowley
Malcolm Cowley: A Life of Writing and Witnessing History
Full Name and Common Aliases
Malcolm Cowley was born on August 24, 1898, in Belspring, Virginia, as Malcolm Hampton Cowley. He is often referred to by his pen name, which he adopted later in life.
Birth and Death Dates
August 24, 1898 - December 27, 1989
Nationality and Profession(s)
American writer, editor, critic, and professor. Cowley was a multifaceted figure who excelled in various literary pursuits throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in rural Virginia, Malcolm Cowley developed an early interest in literature and poetry. His family moved to Kentucky when he was 12 years old, where he attended high school. After completing his education, Cowley worked as a teacher before joining the U.S. Army during World War I.
Major Accomplishments
Cowley's life can be divided into several distinct phases, each marked by significant accomplishments:
As an editor and critic, Cowley played a crucial role in shaping the literary landscape of the 20th century. He worked as an associate editor at _The New Republic_ and later as the editor of _The Partisan Review_, where he mentored and befriended numerous prominent writers.
Cowley's own writing spanned multiple genres, including fiction, poetry, criticism, and essays. Some of his most notable works include:
+ Exile's Return: A Literary Escapade (1934) - a memoir that explores the American expatriate experience in Paris during the 1920s.
+ The Dream of the Golden Mountains: Remembered Poets (1944) - a collection of essays on poetry, featuring Cowley's observations and insights into the work of several notable poets.
In his later years, Cowley became an accomplished professor, teaching creative writing at various universities.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Malcolm Cowley's most significant contributions include:
The Partisan Review: During his tenure as editor (1937-1959), Cowley oversaw the transformation of this influential literary magazine into a platform for avant-garde and experimental writing.
An American Babel (1963) - Cowley's memoir about his experiences as an editor, which offers valuable insights into the cultural and literary currents of the 20th century.Impact and Legacy
Malcolm Cowley's impact on American literature is multifaceted:
As a mentor and critic, he played a crucial role in shaping the careers of prominent writers such as William Faulkner, Langston Hughes, and Allen Tate.
His own writing continues to be celebrated for its lyricism, wit, and intellectual curiosity.
Cowley's work as an editor helped pave the way for a new generation of American writers who sought to break free from traditional forms.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Malcolm Cowley's enduring legacy can be attributed to his unique blend of literary acumen, critical insight, and personal experience. As both a writer and an editor, he left an indelible mark on the American literary landscape:
His writings continue to provide readers with a nuanced understanding of the cultural and historical contexts in which they were written.
Cowley's legacy serves as a testament to the power of literature in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
Malcolm Cowley's remarkable life, marked by both creative achievement and intellectual curiosity, remains an inspiration for writers and scholars alike. His influence continues to be felt through his writing, his mentorship, and his enduring impact on American literary culture.
Quotes by Malcolm Cowley
Authors are sometimes like tomcats: They distrust all the other toms but they are kind to kittens.
In matters like writing and painting, a man does what he has to do – if he has to write, why then, he writes; and if he doesn’t feel the urgent need of writing, there are dozens of professions in which it is easier to earn a comfortable living.
Going back to Hemingway’s work after several years is like going back to a brook where you had often fished and finding the woods as deep and cool as they used to be.
I never cease to be amazed why some of my friends became famous and others, just as talented, didn’t. I’ve come to suspect it’s a matter of wanting fame or not, and those who don’t want it, don’t get it.
It is the fear of being as dependent as a young child, while not being loved as a child is loved, but merely being kept alive against one’s will.
Any fiction should be a story. In any story there are three elements: persons, a situation, and the fact that in the end something has changed. If nothing has changed, it isn’t a story.
They tell you that you’ll lose your mind when you grow older. What they don’t tell you is that you won’t miss it very much.
The germ of a story is a new and simple element introduced into an existing situation or mood.