Merrill Moore

American psychiatrist and poet

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Merrill Moore in 1956

Merrill Moore (1903–1957) was an American psychiatrist and poet, known for his prolific output of sonnets and his contributions to the field of psychiatry. He was a prominent figure in the Fugitive literary group and made significant contributions to the understanding of alcoholism and psychosomatic medicine.

Early life and education

Merrill Moore was born on September 26, 1903, in Columbia, Tennessee. He attended Vanderbilt University, where he became associated with the Fugitive literary group, a collective of poets and writers who were influential in the Southern Renaissance. Moore graduated from Vanderbilt in 1924 and went on to study medicine at Harvard Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1928.

Career in psychiatry

After completing his medical education, Moore specialized in psychiatry. He worked at the Boston Psychopathic Hospital and later joined the faculty at Harvard Medical School. Moore was particularly interested in the treatment of alcoholism and was one of the early proponents of viewing it as a disease rather than a moral failing. His work in psychosomatic medicine also contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between mental and physical health.

Literary contributions

Moore was a prolific poet, best known for his sonnets. He claimed to have written over 50,000 sonnets during his lifetime, a feat that earned him a place in the literary world. His poetry often explored themes of human emotion, nature, and the complexities of the human psyche. Moore's work was published in various literary journals and anthologies, and he was a regular contributor to the Fugitive magazine.

The Fugitive literary group

As a member of the Fugitive literary group, Moore was part of a movement that sought to redefine Southern literature. The group included notable figures such as John Crowe Ransom, Allen Tate, and Robert Penn Warren. They emphasized formal structure and traditional poetic forms, which influenced Moore's own work.

Personal life

Moore married Ann Leslie in 1930, and the couple had three children. Despite his busy professional life, Moore was known for his dedication to his family and his passion for writing. He often combined his medical knowledge with his literary interests, exploring the psychological aspects of human behavior in his poetry.

Death and legacy

Merrill Moore passed away on September 21, 1957, in Boston, Massachusetts. His contributions to both psychiatry and literature have left a lasting impact. Moore's work in understanding alcoholism and his prolific output of sonnets continue to be studied and appreciated by both medical professionals and literary scholars.

Related pages

• Fugitive (literary group)
• Vanderbilt University
• Harvard Medical School
• Psychosomatic medicine
• Sonnet