Wild Peaches
You say we’ll emigrate to the Eastern…
Elinor Wylie (1885-1928) was an American poet and novelist renowned for her lyrical style and keen sense of aesthetics. Born as Elinor Morton Hoyt in Somerville, New Jersey, she grew up in a prominent and well-to-do family, which profoundly influenced her literary pursuits. Wylie began her literary career relatively late, publishing her first major volume of poetry, "Nets to Catch the Wind," in 1921 at the age of 36. The collection was well-received and established her reputation as a distinctive voice in American literature.
Wylie's poetry is characterized by its meticulous form, intricate rhythms, and vivid imagery, often blending emotional intensity with a reserved elegance. Her verse often explored themes of beauty, love, and the natural world, reflecting both her personal sensibilities and broader modernist trends. In addition to her poetry, Wylie wrote several novels, including "Jennifer Lorn" and "The Venetian Glass Nephew," which further showcased her talent for combining narrative with poetic elements.
Despite her literary success, Wylie's personal life was marked by turbulence, including multiple marriages and health issues. Her final years were spent in relative seclusion before her sudden death from a stroke at the age of 43. Nonetheless, Elinor Wylie's contributions to early 20th-century American literature remain influential, celebrated for their elegance, precision, and emotional depth.