AR Ammons, born on February 18, 1926, in North Carolina, was a renowned poet known for his nature-themed works. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before attending Wake Forest University and the University of California, Berkeley.
After completing his education, Ammons settled in New York, where he taught at Cornell University for three decades. His poetry was greatly influenced by the work of T.S. Eliot, and his writing style often featured stanzas of two or three lines in length, with a focus on enjambment.
Ammons published several acclaimed works throughout his career, including Sphere: The Form of a Motion and A Coast of Trees. He was a two-time recipient of the National Book Award for Poetry, solidifying his place as one of the most esteemed poets of his time.
In 1949, Ammons married Phyllis Plumbo, and together they built a life in New York. His affinity for nature and the environment not only influenced his poetry but also his personal life, as he found solace and inspiration in the natural world.