Russell Edson
Russell Edson
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Russell Edson (1935-2018) was an American poet, playwright, and short story writer.
Birth and Death Dates
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Edson was born on October 27, 1935, in New York City. He passed away on February 24, 2018, at the age of 82.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Edson was an American poet, playwright, and short story writer. His work often explored the human condition, love, and mortality.
Early Life and Background
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Edson grew up in a working-class family in New York City's Lower East Side. He developed a passion for writing at an early age and began writing stories and poetry as a teenager. Edson studied at the City College of New York before dropping out to pursue a career in writing.
Major Accomplishments
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Edson's work was recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award. His poetry collections, such as "The Very Thing That Happens" (1975) and "The Republic of Nothing" (2000), showcased his unique voice and style.
Notable Works or Actions
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Edson's work often blurred the lines between poetry, prose, and drama. He wrote several short story collections, including "The King's Persons" (1969) and "Mortality" (1991). Edson also published a collection of essays titled "The Republic of Nothing" (2000), which explored themes of love, death, and the human condition.
Impact and Legacy
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Edson's work has had a lasting impact on American literature. His unique blend of poetry and prose has influenced generations of writers. Edson's exploration of themes such as love, mortality, and the human condition continues to resonate with readers today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Edson's quotes are widely quoted for their insight into the human experience. His words often capture the essence of life's complexities, making him a sought-after source of inspiration for writers, artists, and anyone seeking guidance on life's big questions. Edson's legacy serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments and to cherish the time we have with loved ones.
Edson's poetry and prose are characterized by their lyricism, accessibility, and depth. His unique voice has captivated readers for decades, making him one of the most beloved and respected writers of his generation. As a testament to his enduring impact, Edson's work continues to be widely read and studied today.
Quotes by Russell Edson

Everything is made of time, and we go out in waves, accumulating around ourselves in halos of dust, the borders bleeding into each other; the tearing and merging of clouds.

There’s only the writing, which I admit to knowing very little about. But then it’s probably best not to know. It allows one to work without expectation. Best to let the poem do the thinking while we concern ourselves with what’s called the personal life.

One feels that things are about to change. I have felt this all my life. It is a readiness that robs every act of meaning, making every situation obsolete, putting the present into the past.

On the other side of a mirror there’s an inverse world, where the insane go sane; where bones climb out of the earth and recede to the first slime of love.

A toy-maker made a toy wife and a toy child. He made a toy house and some toy years.

If one cannot accept failure and scorn, how is he to make his art? It’s like wanting to go to heaven without dying.

The best advice I can give is to ignore advice. Life is too short to be distracted by the opinions of others.


