Richard Purdy Wilbur (1921–2017) was an American poet and literary translator. Celebrated for his mastery of traditional forms and eloquent, lyrical style, he was associated with the New Formalist movement. He served as Poet Laureate of the United States in 1987–88.
Born in New York City and educated at Amherst College and Harvard University, Wilbur’s career spanned several decades, during which he became one of the most honored poets in the United States.
Wilbur’s first collection of poetry, The Beautiful Changes and Other Poems (1947,) marked the beginning of his distinguished literary career. He won the Pulitzer for Poetry twice: first for Things of This World (1957) and again for New and Collected Poems (1989.) His works are known for their technical precision, wit, and philosophical depth.
In addition to his original poetry, Wilbur was renowned for his translations of French literature, most notably the plays of Molière. His translation of The Misanthrope (1955) is widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence. Wilbur also translated works by other French writers, including Voltaire and Jean Racine.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Richard Wilbur
What is the opposite of two? A lonely me, a lonely you.
—Richard Wilbur
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