John Berryman

John Berryman was an American poet and scholar, born on October 25, 1914, and best known for his innovative and influential work 'The Dream Songs'. His poetry is notable for its emotional intensity, dark themes, and complex structure. Berryman was a key figure in the Confessional school of poetry and won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1965. He struggled with personal demons throughout his life, including alcoholism and depression, and tragically took his own life on January 7, 1972.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Dream Songs

    Cover of 'The Dream Songs' by John Berryman

    The book is a collection of 385 poems that form a deep and complex portrait of the protagonist's troubled psyche, as he grapples with a myriad of themes including loss, despair, race, and the fragmented nature of the self. The narrative is characterized by its innovative structure, shifting perspectives, and a unique blend of high diction and colloquial language. The protagonist's journey is marked by moments of intense emotional turmoil and self-reflection, often conveyed through a dialogue between different aspects of his personality, as he seeks meaning and redemption in a chaotic world.

  2. 2. Collected Poems

    Cover of 'Collected Poems' by John Berryman

    This anthology is a comprehensive collection of lyrical works by a prominent 20th-century American poet known for his innovative style and emotional depth. The volume spans his entire career, showcasing a range of subjects from personal struggles and existential questions to historical figures and literary criticism. The poet's distinctive voice is characterized by its intense, confessional tone and the use of an alter ego, which allows for a complex interplay between reality and imagination. His mastery of form, from traditional sonnets to his own creation of an idiosyncratic stanza structure, demonstrates a profound engagement with the craft of poetry, making this compilation a testament to his lasting impact on American literature.