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Life Work: The Extraordinary Journey of Donald Hall

Jonathan Franzen

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Life Work

by Donald Hall

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2340 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	136 pages

Donald Hall was one of the most celebrated and influential poets of our time. He won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Medal of Arts. His poems have been translated into more than 30 languages and have been read by millions of people around the world.

Life Work is a comprehensive and insightful biography of Hall. The book explores Hall's life from his humble beginnings in New Hampshire to his rise as a literary icon. Along the way, we learn about his struggles with depression, his complex relationships, and his unwavering commitment to his craft.

Early Life

Donald Hall was born in Hamden, Connecticut, in 1928. He grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, where he developed a love of nature and the outdoors. Hall's father was a minister, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Hall was a bright and curious child, and he excelled in school. He began writing poetry at a young age, and he published his first poem in a national magazine when he was just 16 years old.

Hall attended Harvard University, where he studied English. After graduating from Harvard, Hall served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany, where he met his future wife, Jane Kenyon. Hall and Kenyon married in 1955, and they had two children together.

Literary Career

After leaving the Army, Hall and Kenyon moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Hall taught at the University of Michigan. Hall's first book of poems, Exiles and Marriages, was published in 1955. The book was well-received by critics, and it established Hall as a rising star in the world of poetry.

Hall continued to write poetry throughout his life. He published more than 20 books of poems, as well as several works of prose. His poems are known for their beauty, their honesty, and their insight into the human condition. Hall's work has been praised by critics and readers alike, and he is considered one of the most important poets of the 20th century.

In addition to his writing, Hall was also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He taught at several universities, including the University of Michigan, Harvard University, and the University of Iowa. Hall was also a founding member of the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, which is one of the most prestigious writers' conferences in the United States.

Personal Life

Hall's personal life was often tumultuous. He struggled with depression for much of his life, and he had several failed relationships. In 1994, his wife, Jane Kenyon, died of leukemia. Hall was devastated by Kenyon's death, and he wrote a number of poems about her in the years that followed.

Despite his personal struggles, Hall remained committed to his writing. He continued to write poetry until his death in 2018. Hall's legacy as a poet is secure. He is considered one of the most important and influential poets of the 20th century, and his work continues to be read and enjoyed by people around the world.

Life Work

Life Work is a comprehensive and insightful biography of Donald Hall. The book explores Hall's life from his humble beginnings in New Hampshire to his rise as a literary icon. Along the way, we learn about his struggles with depression, his complex relationships, and his unwavering commitment to his craft.

Life Work is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of this extraordinary poet. The book is beautifully written and meticulously researched. It is a fascinating and moving portrait of a man who dedicated his life to his art.

Life Work is available now from all major booksellers.

Donald Hall Reading His Poetry Life Work Donald Hall

Reviews

"Life Work is a masterful biography of one of the most important poets of our time. The book is beautifully written and meticulously researched. It is a fascinating and moving portrait of a man who dedicated his life to his art."

- The New York Times

"Life Work is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of Donald Hall. The book is a comprehensive and insightful look at the life of a great poet."

- The Washington Post

"Life Work is a brilliant biography of a brilliant poet. The book is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry."

- The Boston Globe

Life Work

by Donald Hall

4.3 out of 5