Kenneth Rexroth

American poet and translator Kenneth Rexroth (December 221905 – June 61982) was among the first poets in the United States to explore Japanese poetry traditions such as haiku. He is credited with having led the "poetry renaissance" in San Francisco and was associated with the Beat Generation, although he was later critical of the movement. Rexroth's poetry, essays and journalism reflect interests in jazz, politics, culture and ecology. Rexroth's poetic voice is similar to that of Du Fu, whom he translated, expressing indignation with the inequities of the world from an existential perspective.

Biographical notes

He was a conscientious objector during World War II and was actively involved with helping Japanese-American internees.

Related Topics:
Conscientious objector - World War II - Japanese-American

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Rexroth is said to have read the entire Encyclopædia Britannica "like a novel" once a year. His books indicate familiarity with subjects ranging from political anarchism, painting, and world religions, to classical Chinese literature and philosophy.

Related Topics:
Encyclopædia Britannica - Anarchism - Painting - Religions - Chinese literature - Philosophy

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