E. E. Cummings

Edward Estlin Cummings (October 14, 1894 – September 3, 1962), typically abbreviated E. E. Cummings, was an American poet, painter, essayist, and playwright. Though a representation not endorsed by him, his publishers often mirrored his atypical syntax by writing his name in lower case, e. e. cummings.

Related Topics:
October 14 - 1894 - September 3 - 1962 - American - Poet - Painter - Essayist - Playwright

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cummings is probably best known for the unusual style used in many of his poems, which includes unorthodox usage of both capitalization and punctuation, in which unexpected and seemingly misplaced punctuation sometimes interrupt sentences and even individual words. Several of his poems are also typeset on a page in an unusual fashion, and appear to make little sense until read aloud.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Despite Cummings' affinity for avant garde styles and for unusual typography, much of his work is traditional; for instance, many of his poems are sonnets. Cummings' poetry often deals with themes of love and nature, as well as satire and the relationship of the individual to the masses and to the world.

Related Topics:
Avant garde - Sonnet - Love

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

During his lifetime, he published more than 900 poems, along with two novels, several essays, as well as numerous drawings, sketches, and paintings. He is remembered as one of the preeminent voices of twentieth-century poetry.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~