Conrad Aiken (1889-1973) was an American poet, novelist, and critic whose work bridged the gap between the late 19th-century Romanticism and the burgeoning Modernist movement of the early 20th century. Born in Savannah, Georgia, Aiken's early life was marked by tragedy when, at the age of 11, he discovered the bodies of his parents in a murder-suicide. This harrowing experience profoundly influenced his literary voice, infusing his work with themes of psychological depth and existential inquiry.Aiken's poetry is celebrated for its musicality and innovative use of form, often drawing comparisons to the works of T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound, both of whom he knew personally. His critical essays and reviews were instrumental in shaping the literary tastes of his time, and he was a fervent advocate for the psychological novel, a genre that delves into the inner workings of the human mind.Controversially, Aiken's personal life was as tumultuous as his prose. His multiple marriages and battles with alcoholism were fodder for gossip, yet they also provided raw material for his introspective and often confessional style. Despite these struggles, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1930 and served as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1950 to 1952.Aiken's influence extended to contemporary writers such as Malcolm Lowry and William Faulkner, who admired his ability to blend narrative and lyrical elements seamlessly. His revolutionary ideas about the interconnectedness of psychology and literature continue to resonate, making him a pivotal figure in American letters.
Conrad Potter Aiken (August 5, 1889 – August 17, 1973) was an American writer, whose work includes poetry, short stories, novels, a play, and an autobiography. Aiken was the son of wealthy, socially prominent New Englanders, William Ford and Anna (Potter) Aiken, who had moved to Savannah, Georgia, where his father became a respected physician and brain surgeon. Then something happened for which, as Aiken later said, no one could ever find a reason. Without warning or apparent cause, his father became increasingly irascible, unpredictable, and violent. Finally, early in the morning of February 27, 1901, he murdered his wife and shot himself. According to his own writings, Aiken (who was eleven years old) heard the gunshots and discovered the bodies. He was then raised by his great aunt in Massachusetts and was educated at private schools and at Middlesex School in Concord. (Wikipedia)
