To an Enemy
I would have known myself, but they stood…
Maxwell Bodenheim (1892-1954) was a notable American poet and novelist, often remembered for his bohemian lifestyle and integral role in the literary circles of early 20th-century New York and Chicago. Born Maxwell Bodenheimer in Hermanville, Mississippi, he moved with his family to Chicago, where his literary career began to flourish. Bodenheim became a prominent figure in Chicago’s literary scene during the 1910s and 1920s, known for his lyrical free verse poetry and novels that often depicted the underbelly of urban life.
His first collection of poems, "Minna and Myself," was published in 1918, showcasing his penchant for both romanticism and gritty realism. This was followed by several other poetry volumes and novels, with works like "Blackguard" (1923) and "Replenishing Jessica" (1925) consolidating his reputation. Despite his literary successes, Bodenheim's tumultuous personal life, characterized by alcoholism and homelessness, increasingly overshadowed his professional accomplishments.
In the 1940s, Bodenheim moved to New York, where he became a fixture in the Greenwich Village bohemian community but struggled with poverty and declining mental health. His life met a tragic end when he and his third wife were murdered in 1954. Despite his fall from grace, Maxwell Bodenheim remains a poignant figure emblematic of the vibrant yet often troubled literary underground of his time.