Men, Women and Ghosts (ePub)

Amy Lowell (1874-1925) was a pivotal figure in the realm of American poetry, renowned for her poignant and vivid imagery coupled with an ardently modernist approach to literature. Hailing from the prominent Lowell family of Massachusetts, Amy Lowell did not subscribe to a formal collegiate education, which was a rarity for women of her time and social standing. Despite this, she cultivated her literary talents with voracious reading and writing, eventually emerging as a leading voice within the Imagist movement. This literary philosophy endorsed clarity of expression, succinctness, and the power of precise visual images to evoke emotions and convey complex ideas. One of Lowell's contributions to the genre, 'Men, Women and Ghosts' (1919), showcases her keen ability to explore a diverse array of topics such as war, love, and the subtleties of human experience, all while experimenting with free verse and polyphonic prose. Her writing style in this collection, as in her entire oeuvre, combines an intense sensuality with a deep appreciation for the natural world. In her lifetime, Lowell authored several volumes of poetry and penned critical works that both illuminated and advocated for contemporary poetic trends. Awarded the Pulitzer Prize posthumously in 1926 for her collection 'What's O'Clock', Lowell's impact on American poetry continues to be recognized for its innovation, emotional depth, and technical mastery.