Boy at the Window
In dusk and cold is more than he can…
Richard Wilbur (1921-2017) was a distinguished American poet and literary translator, celebrated for his mastery of traditional poetic forms and modern sensibility. Born on March 1, 1921, in New York City, Wilbur grew up in North Caldwell, New Jersey. He attended Amherst College, where his passion for poetry blossomed. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he pursued graduate studies at Harvard University, earning a Master's degree in 1947.
Wilbur's first collection, "The Beautiful Changes and Other Poems" (1947), showcased his meticulous craftsmanship and command of language. Over the subsequent decades, he published numerous critically acclaimed volumes, including "Things of This World" (1956), which won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Wilbur received a second Pulitzer Prize for "New and Collected Poems" (1988).
In addition to his poetry, Wilbur was an esteemed translator, particularly of French literature. His translations of Molière's plays remain definitive. Wilbur also contributed lyrics to several musical projects, including Leonard Bernstein's operatic adaptation of Voltaire's "Candide."
Wilbur taught at several institutions, including Wesleyan University and Smith College, influencing countless students. His work earned him numerous accolades, including the title of U.S. Poet Laureate in 1987-1988. Richard Wilbur's legacy endures through his eloquent verse and enduring contributions to American letters. He passed away on October 14, 2017, in Belmont, Massachusetts.