Archibald MacLeish

Archibald MacLeish

Archibald MacLeish (May 7, 1892 – April 20, 1982) was an American poet, writer, and the Librarian of Congress. He is associated with the modernist school of poetry and was awarded three Pulitzer Prizes over his career. MacLeish's work is known for its exploration of human nature and the modern condition, as well as its stylistic innovation and depth.

Early Life and Education

Archibald MacLeish was born in Glencoe, Illinois, to a well-established family. His father, Andrew MacLeish, was a successful dry goods merchant, and his mother, Martha Hillard, a college professor and president of Rockford College. MacLeish attended Hotchkiss School before enrolling at Yale University, where he graduated in 1915. At Yale, he was a member of the Skull and Bones society and began to develop his interest in poetry and writing. After Yale, he went on to study law at Harvard Law School, receiving his LL.B. in 1919.

Career

After serving in World War I, MacLeish practiced law for a brief period before dedicating himself to writing full-time. His early works were published in the 1920s, but it was his collection Conquistador (1932), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, that established his reputation. MacLeish's poetry often reflected his concern with political and social issues, a theme that continued throughout his career.

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed MacLeish as the Librarian of Congress, a position he used to promote the arts and literature. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the creation of the Library of Congress's Division of Cultural Affairs and advocated for the importance of libraries and access to information. MacLeish also served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs during World War II.

After the war, MacLeish returned to academia, teaching at Harvard University where he influenced a new generation of poets and writers. He continued to write and publish, earning two additional Pulitzer Prizes, one for his drama J.B. (1958), a modern retelling of the Book of Job, and another for his poetry.

Legacy

Archibald MacLeish's impact on American literature and public life was significant. His advocacy for the arts, his work in government, and his contributions to modernist poetry and drama left a lasting legacy. His papers and extensive correspondence are housed in the Library of Congress, providing valuable insight into his life and the times in which he lived.

Selected Works

• Conquistador (1932)
• Public Speech (1936)
• The Fall of the City (1937)
• America Was Promises (1939)
• J.B. (1958)

Awards and Honors

• Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1933, 1953)
• Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1959)
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (1977)

See Also

• Modernist poetry
• Library of Congress
• Pulitzer Prize