Robert Bly

Robert Bly is one of the most prolific and influential authors of the last 50 years. His works range from poetry to novels, and his influence on literature and the written word is undeniable.

Born in Madison, Minnesota in 1926, Robert Bly attended St. Olaf College for his undergraduate degree and then moved on to graduate school at Harvard. His Masters Thesis was a book he wrote titled Silence in the Snowy Fields. After surviving his military service in the Korean War, he returned to the United States and began writing seriously.

Robert Bly’s most acclaimed works include his poetry collections Iron John, The Light around the Body, and The Phantom Tollbooth. His later novels include The Man in the Black Coat Goes, and Leaping Poetry. His books are hailed for their lyrical language and the vivid imagery he evokes.

Bly is best known for his influential essay, “The Eleventh Century in American Poetry”, which was published in 1967. In it, he argued that the “poets of the eleventh century represented the true spirit of American poetry.” Bly also emphasized the importance of a connection to nature and to the human soul in the writing and reading of literature.

Robert Bly’s poetry collections, poems and articles were published in several anthologies and magazines, including Poetry and Poetry East, both of which were edited by Bly. He also edited the magazine The Fifties, which was dedicated to the Beat movement in American poetry.

In 1981, Bly won the National Book Award for his collection of translations from Rilke’s German, titled Nativity and Other Poems, and his book of non-fiction prose, The Mask of Troy. Other awards he has won for his literature include the Carl Sandberg Award, the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, and the Robert Frost Bronze Medal.

In addition to his work as an author, Bly has been a strong advocate of world peace. He founded the American Poetry Festival in 1985 and co-founded the national social movement-focused organization, Soulwork.

Throughout his life, Bly has invested a great deal of energy and creativity into his writing. His work has resonated with readers across the world, and his impact in the literary world can still be seen today. Robert Bly has been a driving force of modern poetry, and he is regarded as one of America’s greats.