Laura Riding was born on January 16, 1901, in New York City to Austrian-Jewish immigrant parents. She was originally named Laura Reichenthal but later changed her name. Growing up in New York, she was exposed to a diverse and vibrant cultural environment that would greatly influence her literary work later in life.
Riding remained in New York for her college years and attended Cornell University, where she studied literature and philosophy. It was during this time that she began to develop her unique writing style and voice, which would go on to define her career as a poet and author.
After completing her education, Laura Riding began her career as a poet and quickly gained recognition for her innovative and experimental work. She was known for pushing the boundaries of traditional poetry and challenging societal norms through her writing.
Riding became associated with the Tennessee-based Fugitive group of poets, a collective of writers known for their modernist approach to literature. She formed close friendships with fellow poets such as Allen Tate and became a prominent member of the group.
Despite her success in the literary world, Laura Riding's personal life was marked by turmoil and tragedy. She married Louis R. Gottschalk, but the marriage ended in divorce. She then had an affair with poet Robert Graves before finally marrying Schuyler Jackson.
In 1927, Riding made a failed attempt at suicide, which haunted her for the rest of her life. This event deeply impacted her writing and added a layer of complexity to her work.
Laura Riding's contributions to modernist poetry have left a lasting impact on the literary world. Her works, such as The Life of the Dead, A Trojan Ending, and Under the Mind's Watch, continue to be studied and celebrated for their depth and complexity.
Despite her struggles and personal demons, Laura Riding's legacy as a groundbreaking poet and literary critic remains untarnished. Her exploration of the human psyche and her willingness to challenge societal norms have solidified her place as one of the most influential writers of her time.