Origins & Early Life

Elizabeth Bishop (February 8, 1911 – October 6, 1979) was an American poet and short-story writer. She was Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1949 to 1950, the Pulitzer Prize winner for Poetry in 1956, the National Book Award winner in 1970, and the recipient of the Neustadt International Prize for Literature in 1976. Dwight Garner argued in 2018 that she was perhaps "the most purely gifted poet of the 20th century." She was also a painter, and her poetry is noted for its careful attention to detail; Ernest Hilbert wrote “Bishop’s poetics is one distinguished by tranquil observation, craft-like accuracy, care for the small things of the world, a miniaturist’s discretion and attention." Bishop was an only child, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to William Thomas and Gertrude May (Bulmer) Bishop on February 8, 1911. After her father, a successful builder, died when she was eight months old, Bishop's mother became mentally ill and was institutionalized in 1916.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

(Bishop would later write about the time of her mother's struggles in her short story "In the Village.") Effectively orphaned during early childhood, she lived with her maternal grandparents on...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Urabi — Contemporary (Died in 1911) (1911): Pioneering Egyptian military and political leader who spearheaded the 'Urabi Revolt.
• Ashok Kumar — Contemporary (Born in 1911) (1911): Pioneering superstar and master character actor of Hindi cinema.
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• A. Philip Randolph — Contemporary (Died in 1979) (1979): Pioneer labor unionist and civil rights activist who fought for racial equality.
• Aaliyah — Contemporary (Born in 1979) (1979): Pioneering R&B artist known for redefining urban pop and hip hop sounds.
• Abdul-Malik al-Houthi — Contemporary (Born in 1979) (1979): Yemeni religious leader and second principal figure of the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah).
• Amelia Bence — Shared historical date (02-08 · Died) (2016): Argentine film actress, a celebrated diva of the Golden Age of Argentine cinema.
• Baldassare Castiglione — Shared historical date (02-08 · Died) (1529): Influential Renaissance author and courtier, known for 'The Book of the Courtier'.
• Anwar Sadat — Shared historical date (10-06 · Died) (1981): Egyptian President who spearheaded economic reform and the peace treaty with Israel.
• Basil Zaharoff — Shared historical date (10-06 · Born) (1849): Greek industrialist and arms dealer, known as a 'merchant of death' in global conflicts.
• 1911 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1911
• February 8 (02-08) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 8
• 1979 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1979
• October 6 (10-06) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 6