James Marcus Schuyler was born on September 11, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a middle-class family and attended Bethany College in West Virginia in the early 1940s. It was during his time at college that he discovered his passion for poetry and decided to pursue a career as a poet.
Schuyler's poetry was known for its vivid imagery and unique perspective on everyday life. He was part of the New York School of poets, a group of writers who were known for their experimental and avant-garde approach to poetry. In 1980, Schuyler won a Pulitzer Prize for his collection "The Morning of the Poem," which solidified his reputation as one of the most talented poets of his generation.
Aside from his Pulitzer Prize-winning work, Schuyler also wrote several other collections, including "The Crystal Lithium" and "A Sun Cab." His poetry delved into themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, reflecting his own personal experiences and emotions.
Schuyler was openly gay, but he kept his romantic relationships private. He was known for his wit and sense of humor, which often shone through in his writing. Despite his success as a poet, Schuyler remained humble and focused on his craft, continuing to write and publish poetry until his death.
Schuyler's influence on modern poetry cannot be overstated. His work broke new ground in terms of form and style, and his reflections on human experience continue to resonate with audiences today. His collaborations with fellow New York School poet John Ashbery, such as the 1987 work "A Nest of Ninnies," are considered classics of contemporary poetry.
After a long and successful career, James Marcus Schuyler passed away on April 12, 1991, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry that continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world.