Burns Singer was born on August 29, 1928 in New York City as James Hyman Singer. Despite being born in the United States, he was raised in Scotland, where he would later establish himself as a renowned poet and translator.
Singer attended the University of Edinburgh, where he pursued a career in marine biology before ultimately finding his true passion in poetry. He published his first poetry collection, "Still and All," in 1957, which garnered critical acclaim and established him as a prominent voice in the literary world.
In addition to his poetry, Singer was also a talented translator, known for his translations of works by Polish poets such as Cyprian Norwid. He was praised for his ability to capture the essence and beauty of the original texts, making them accessible to English-speaking audiences.
Despite being born into a family of diverse heritages including Jewish, Irish, and Polish backgrounds, Singer found love and companionship with psychologist Marie Battle whom he married in 1955. Their partnership was a source of strength and support throughout Singer's career, allowing him to focus on his creative endeavors.
Burns Singer's contributions to the world of poetry and translation have left a lasting impact on the literary community. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their depth, emotion, and beauty, cementing his place as a master of his craft.