Origins & Early Life

Herman Northrop Frye (July 14, 1912 – January 23, 1991) was a Canadian literary critic and literary theorist, considered one of the most influential of the 20th century. Frye gained international fame with his first book, Fearful Symmetry (1947), which led to the reinterpretation of the poetry of William Blake. His lasting reputation rests principally on the theory of literary criticism that he developed in Anatomy of Criticism (1957), one of the most important works of literary theory published in the twentieth century. The American critic Harold Bloom commented at the time of its publication that Anatomy established Frye as "the foremost living student of Western literature." Frye's contributions to cultural and social criticism spanned a long career during which he earned widespread recognition and received many honours.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, but raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, Frye was the third child of Herman Edward Frye and of Catherine Maud Howard. His much older brother, Howard, died in World War I; he also had a sister, Vera. His first cousin was the scientist Alma Howard. Frye went to Toronto to compete in a national...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alphonse Mucha — Shared historical date (07-14 · Died) (1939): Master of Art Nouveau, famed for decorative posters and The Slav Epic.
• Ante Pavelić — Shared historical date (07-14 · Born) (1889): Croatian politician and dictator of the Independent State of Croatia (1941-1945)
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• Alexandre Cabanel — Shared historical date (01-23 · Died) (1889): Prominent French Academic painter, celebrated for historical and mythological subjects.
• 1912 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1912
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• 1991 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1991
• January 23 (01-23) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 23