Dreams in the Mirror: A Biography of E.E. Cummings

by Richard S. Kennedy

Reissued with a new preface for the centennial. Along with Pound, Eliot, and Joyce, Edward Estlin Cummings is one of the leading American poets who revolutionized literary expression in the twentieth century. He was also a Cubist painter, a champion of the little man, a brilliant conversationalist, a romantic idealist, a famous irrational curmudgeon, and husband to three of the most beautiful women of his time. This critical biography merges these various selves into one fascinating life story, many chapters of which could be mistaken for a great romantic novel. In following Cummings's development as a poet, it also includes a large number of previously unpublished poems and drawings.

Genres: Biography, Poetry, Nonfiction

548 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Maria Hrickova · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,4

[Tanya Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most excellent biography. As a long-time fan of Cummings' work, I was a bit worried the book would dissect his poems to the point of autopsy. It didn't, however. Instead, I feel I came away with a better understanding of that dreaming cantankerous poet. His politics were a nightmare but his mind still a genius, capturing life in a way that few poets have since. I definitely recommend it.

[Mike Staresinic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile read for understanding the 20th century modernist writer and artist milieu of those who went from Harvard to War to Greenwich Village to exile in Paris. Peopled with the artists of the Dial and the New Republic in New York's the literary scene, makes a great complement to books about Wilson, Calder, Cowley, Crane, Dos Passos, Fitzgerald, Stein, Picasso and Hemingway.

[Barry Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent read.
It helped to put many of Cummings' poems in context. Most of his poems are very personal, so some context about where, when, and why they were written contributes a great deal to my appreciation of them.

[erin]

actually havent read it yet, but the man sure had a nose for sex!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could hardly put this down! Intriguing for a Cummings fan, and a surprisingly quick read.

[Norm Therrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fascinating biography to read and enjoy! E.E. Cummings was one of the finest American poets in the 20th century and his creative writings are simply beautiful. Great read!

[Cwelshhans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough, but very readable. It did not make me like cummings terribly much as a person, but I definitely came away feeling like I understood who he was and why he was that way.