Robert Lax was born on November 30, 1915 in the small town of Olean, New York. He was the son of Rebecca and Sigmund Lax. From a young age, Lax showed a talent for writing and quickly developed a passion for poetry.
Lax attended Columbia University, where he wrote for the college publication, Jester. It was during his time at Columbia that he honed his skills as a writer and began to explore minimalist poetry.
After graduating from Columbia, Lax went on to write for magazines such as Time and The New Yorker. He gained recognition for his minimalist style of poetry, which focused on simplicity and brevity in language.
One of Lax's most well-known works is Circus of the Sun, a collection of poems that showcases his minimalist approach to poetry. Throughout his career, he continued to push boundaries and experiment with language, earning him a reputation as a pioneering poet.
In his later years, Lax lived on various Greek islands, including Patmos. This time spent in Greece greatly influenced his work and provided him with new inspiration for his writing.
Lax had a lifelong friendship with Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, author, and philosopher. The two met at Columbia University and maintained a literary correspondence throughout their lives. Merton's spiritual beliefs had a profound impact on Lax's writing, leading him to explore themes of spirituality and contemplation in his work.
Robert Lax's contributions to poetry have left a lasting impact on the literary world. His minimalist style continues to inspire writers today, and his unique perspective on language and expression has solidified his place as a prominent figure in 20th-century American poetry.
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