Inspirational Quotes by Witter Bynner (American Poet)

Harold Witter Bynner (1881–1968,) also known by the pen name Emanuel Morgan, was an American poet, translator, and scholar celebrated for his contributions to American modernist poetry.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Bynner enrolled at Harvard University in 1898, becoming the first from his class invited to join The Harvard Advocate and contributing to The Harvard Monthl . Early works like An Ode to Harvard (1907) and Tiger (1913) showcased his interest in Eastern philosophies.

Bynner’s extensive travels in Asia, particularly China, left a profound mark on his poetry. Works such as The Little King (1914) and A Canticle of Pan and Other Poems (1917) reflected his engagement with Eastern themes and experimentation with new poetic forms.

Collaborating with Kiang Kang-hu, a professor of Chinese at Berkeley, Bynner produced translations of classical Chinese poetry, exemplified by The Jade Mountain (1929,) demonstrating his skill in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps and introducing Chinese literature to Western readers.

Settling in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1920, Bynner became an active member of the local literary and artistic community. His collection Indian Earth (1932) reflects his deep connection with the Southwest and Native American cultures. Besides his poetry, Bynner is remembered for hosting influential literary salons in Santa Fe, fostering creativity and collaboration. His later works include The Beloved Stranger (1932) and New World (1942.)

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