The Beauty of Living: E. E. Cummings in the Great War

The Beauty of Living is a biography of E.E. Cummings that explores his Cambridge, Massachusetts upbringing, undergraduate experience at Harvard, and his relationship with his father. It also covers his time in Paris during World War I, where he was imprisoned in a brutal French detention center and found the courage to listen to his own voice. The book combines letters, journal entries, and sketches with astute analyses of Cummings' poems to reveal the origins of one of the twentieth century's most famous poets.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2022
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

The Beauty of Living, a captivating and intricate exploration of the life and work of E.E. Cummings, delves into the poet's early years in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and his complex relationship with his domineering yet socially progressive father. The narrative follows Cummings through his undergraduate journey at Harvard, where he formed a close bond with aspiring writers such as John Dos Passos, who would remain a lifelong friend. Influenced by classical paganism and the literary decadence of the time, Cummings and his circle of friends embraced the vibrant movements of Cubism, Futurism, Imagism, and other "modern" artistic expressions.

As the United States geared up for the First World War, Cummings selflessly volunteered as an ambulance driver, destined for service in Paris. It was in this cosmopolitan city that he encountered his first love, Marie Louise Lallemand, a young woman working as a prostitute to support herself. However, their happiness was short-lived, as Cummings was unjustly imprisoned in the brutal French detention center at La Ferté-Macé.

In the midst of this harrowing experience, Cummings found the courage to defy the oppressive authority and listen to his own voice. Through his writings and letters, he expressed his profound thoughts on love, justice, humanity, and brutality, offering a unique perspective on the world. J. Alison Rosenblitt, in her meticulous research, has skillfully woven together letters, journal entries, sketches, and astute analyses of Cummings's poems, providing a comprehensive account of the poet's life and career.

The Beauty of Living sheds light on the formative years that shaped Cummings's artistic vision and lyrical prowess. It reveals the influences that shaped his poetry, from the classical traditions he drew upon to the avant-garde movements he embraced. Through Rosenblitt's insightful interpretations, readers gain a deeper understanding of Cummings's complex personality and the profound impact his work had on the literary world.

In conclusion, The Beauty of Living is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of E.E. Cummings. It offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the poet's life, exploring his relationships, artistic influences, and philosophical musings. Through Rosenblitt's meticulous research and insightful analysis, readers are invited to embark on a journey through the poet's mind, discovering the beauty and complexity of his poetic legacy.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 138 x 208 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780393868319