Edward Estlin (E. E.) Cummings Biography and Quotes
Birthday: October 14th, 1894
Commemoration: September 3rd, 1962
Nationality: American
67
Years Old
Famously Known For
E.E Cummings is famously known for his poetic prowess in terms of style and structure non-conformity.
His works were majorly focused on nature, love, and sexuality.
Early Life
Edward Estlin was born in Cambridge to a wealthy family. His father, Edward Cummings, was a professor at Harvard University and minister in a church. His mother Rebecca Haswell spent time with her children and supported Estlin’s creative abilities.
Estlin showed love for poetry right from an early age by drawing and drafting poems. He continued to write throughout his childhood and graduated from Harvard University in 1916, with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Personal Life
Cummings married thrice, but his first two marriages were brief. His first marriage was to Elaine Orr, and it only lasted for two months. The second marriage to Anne Minnerly Barton lasted for three years. His longest marriage was to Marion Morehouse.
Career
Cummings served in the first world war by volunteering with the ambulance corps. During the war, Cummings and his friend William Brown sent letters home which raised suspicion amongst the military censors. Additionally, the two friends preferred spending their time with French soldiers which eventually led to their detainment for three and a half months over suspicion. Cummins later used his prison experience to write one of his famous books, “The Enormous Room.”
Upon returning to America, he was enlisted in the army and served in the 12th division in 1918.
Apart from military service, Cummings continued his poetry work. He was using non-conformed styles and Structures in his poem to express freedom of creativity for artists. Tulips and Chimneys was one of his greatest books which had a collection of his poems.
Death
Cummings died of a Stroke in 1962 aged 67, at the memorial hospital in New Hampshire.