In the annals of American literature, the New York Times (NYT) holds an esteemed position as a literary arbiter. However, the road to the NYT's literary dominance was paved by a rich tapestry of poets who emerged before its inception, shaping the very landscape of American verse.
The literary landscape of pre-NYT America was vibrant and diverse, with poets hailing from various regions and backgrounds.
Anne Bradstreet (c. 1612-1672): Known as the "Mother of American Poetry," Bradstreet's Puritan verse explored themes of faith, nature, and the challenges of colonial life.
Edward Taylor (1645-1729): A Puritan minister and poet, Taylor's introspective writings delved into the complexities of human faith and the search for divine grace.
Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784): An enslaved African American poet, Wheatley's work often addressed themes of freedom, racial injustice, and the power of language.
As the 19th century dawned, literary magazines emerged as a vital platform for poets to share their work. These publications provided a space for experimentation, innovation, and the exchange of ideas.
The North American Review (1815-1940): Founded in Boston, the Review published poems by prominent figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Edgar Allan Poe.
The Atlantic Monthly (1857-present): Established in Boston, the Atlantic published works by Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, and Henry David Thoreau.
During the tumultuous years of the 19th and early 20th centuries, poets played a significant role in shaping American identity.
Walt Whitman (1819-1892): Whitman's groundbreaking collection, Leaves of Grass, celebrated the expansive spirit of America and its people.
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886): Dickinson's introspective verse explored themes of nature, death, and the mysteries of human existence.
Robert Frost (1874-1963): Frost's poems captured the complexities of rural New England life and the human condition.
In 1896, the New York Times launched its Book Review section, which quickly became a major force in the literary landscape. The Review's influential critics helped establish literary reputations and shape public opinion.
Janet Flanner (1892-1978): Flanner was a pioneering critic for the NYT, known for her sharp wit and critical insights.
Alfred Kazin (1915-1998): Kazin's reviews were often incisive and thought-provoking, engaging with the social and cultural currents of his time.
The relationship between poets and the NYT has been complex and evolving, marked by both admiration and controversy.
T.S. Eliot (1888-1965): Eliot's modernist poetry was initially met with resistance by the NYT, but later gained widespread recognition.
Sylvia Plath (1932-1963): Plath's confessional poetry was often praised by the NYT for its raw emotional power and technical brilliance.
Adrienne Rich (1929-2012): Rich's feminist poetry was at times criticized by the NYT for its political content.
While the NYT holds significant influence in the literary world, there are many poets who have achieved success and recognition outside of its pages.
William Carlos Williams (1883-1963): Williams's experimental poetry was praised by critics for its innovation and originality.
Langston Hughes (1902-1967): Hughes's powerful and poignant poetry explored themes of race, social justice, and the African American experience.
Maya Angelou (1928-2014): Angelou's autobiographical poetry and spoken word performances inspired millions and brought poetry to a broader audience.
The poets who emerged before the NYT laid the foundation for American literature, shaping its themes, its language, and its cultural impact. Their work continues to inspire and resonate with readers today, reminding us of the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience.
Today, poets continue to play a vital role in American society. They provide a voice for the voiceless, challenge societal norms, and ignite our imaginations. Their work enriches our lives, deepens our understanding of ourselves and our world, and helps us navigate the complexities of the human condition.
The Poet and the Publisher: A poet submitted a poem to the NYT. When the poem was rejected, the poet wrote back: "I'm not surprised. After all, your newspaper's motto is 'All the news that's fit to print.'"
The Poet and the Critics: A poet was invited to a party where there were many literary critics. As the poet was leaving, one of the critics asked, "So, what did you think of the other poets here?" The poet replied, "I thought they were all mute."
The Poet and the IRS: A poet received a tax bill from the IRS. He wrote back: "I'm sorry, but I can't pay my taxes. I'm a poet, and poets don't make any money." The IRS replied: "We understand. We've audited several poets before, and we've never found any income."
Table 1: Notable Poets Before the NYT
Poet | Dates | Major Works |
---|---|---|
Anne Bradstreet | c. 1612-1672 | "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America" |
Edward Taylor | 1645-1729 | "God's Determinations Touching His Elect" |
Phillis Wheatley | 1753-1784 | "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" |
Ralph Waldo Emerson | 1803-1882 | "Nature" |
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow | 1807-1882 | "The Song of Hiawatha" |
Edgar Allan Poe | 1809-1849 | "The Raven" |
Emily Dickinson | 1830-1886 | "The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson" |
Walt Whitman | 1819-1892 | "Leaves of Grass" |
Robert Frost | 1874-1963 | "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" |
T.S. Eliot | 1888-1965 | "The Waste Land" |
Sylvia Plath | 1932-1963 | "The Bell Jar" |
Adrienne Rich | 1929-2012 | "Diving into the Wreck" |
Table 2: Literary Magazines That Published Poets Before the NYT
Magazine | Dates | Notable Poets |
---|---|---|
The North American Review | 1815-1940 | Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edgar Allan Poe |
The Dial | 1840-1844 | Margaret Fuller, Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson |
The Atlantic Monthly | 1857-present | Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, Henry David Thoreau |
Harper's New Monthly Magazine | 1850-1915 | Mark Twain, Bret Harte, Henry James |
The Century Magazine | 1870-1930 | Thomas Bailey Aldrich, William Dean Howells, Edith Wharton |
Table 3: Poetry Sales and Statistics
Year | Poetry Sales | Number of Poetry Books Published |
---|---|---|
2012 | $540 million | 15,000 |
2015 | $600 million | 16,000 |
2018 | $660 million | 17,000 |
2021 | $720 million | 18,000 |
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