Richard Wilbur was born on March 1, 1921 in New York. He was raised in a literary household, with his mother being a painter and his father a newspaper editor. Wilbur showed an early talent for writing and literature, and he went on to attend Amherst College, where he studied English and met many influential writers and poets.
During World War II, Wilbur served in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Europe. This experience greatly impacted his poetry and writing, as he witnessed the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
After the war, Wilbur continued his education at Harvard University, where he studied under the renowned poet Robert Frost. Wilbur's poetry began to gain recognition, and he published his first collection, "The Beautiful Changes and Other Poems," in 1947.
Wilbur's poetic talent was soon noticed by critics and readers alike, and he quickly became known for his mastery of form and language. He went on to publish numerous collections of poetry, including "Anterooms," "A Bestiary," and "Walking to Sleep."
In addition to his own poetry, Wilbur was a highly regarded translator of seventeenth-century French plays by writers such as Moliere, Racine, and Corneille. His translations were praised for their accuracy and beauty, and they helped introduce these classic works to a new audience.
Wilbur also collaborated with composer Leonard Bernstein on several projects, including writing lyrics for songs in the Tony Award-nominated operetta, "Candide." His words added depth and emotion to Bernstein's music, creating a lasting legacy for both artists.
Over the course of his career, Wilbur received numerous awards and honors for his poetry and translations. In 1987, he was named the U.S. Poet Laureate, and in 1994, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by former President Bill Clinton.
Wilbur was married to Mary Charlotte Hayes Ward, with whom he had four children. Despite his busy career, he always made time for his family, and they remained a source of inspiration and support throughout his life.
Richard Wilbur passed away on October 14, 2017, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry, translation, and collaboration. His work continues to be celebrated and studied by readers and scholars around the world, solidifying his place as one of the greatest poets of the twentieth century.
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