Richard Howard

Richard Howard was an American poet, literary critic, and translator known for his significant contributions to French literature in translation and his own accomplished poetry. His translations of Charles Baudelaire, Roland Barthes, and other major French writers helped introduce these works to English-speaking audiences. Howard received the American Book Award for his poetry collection Fellow Feelings and won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1970 for Untitled Subjects. His work as a translator encompassed over 150 books from French to English, earning him multiple honors including the PEN Translation Prize and the National Book Award for Translation. As a professor at Columbia University and Houston University, Howard influenced generations of writers while maintaining an active presence in New York's literary scene. His poetry often explored historical figures and employed dramatic monologues, demonstrating his fascination with voice and perspective. The recipient of both Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellowships, Howard served as a poetry editor of The Paris Review and held the position of Poet Laureate of New York State from 1994 to 2000. He passed away in 2022, leaving behind a substantial legacy in American letters spanning over six decades.

Readers value Howard's precision and scholarly attention in his translations from French to English. Poetry readers note his distinct dramatic monologues and historical perspectives, though some find his work requires multiple readings to grasp fully. What readers liked: - Translations preserve original French works' complexity while making them accessible - Poetry demonstrates deep understanding of historical figures and cultural contexts - Clear command of poetic form and structure - Dense layers of meaning that reward careful study What readers disliked: - Poetry can be difficult to penetrate on first reading - Some translations criticized for being too literal or academic - Historical references require extensive background knowledge - Writing style described as occasionally too formal or detached Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 4.1/5 for translations Amazon: 4.3/5 for poetry collections Most reviewed works: Translations of Baudelaire's "Les Fleurs du Mal" (4.5/5) and poetry collection "Untitled Subjects" (4.2/5)

Poetry Collections: Untitled Subjects (1969) - A collection of dramatic monologues featuring historical figures, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.

Fellow Feelings (1976) - Poems exploring human connections and relationships, winner of the American Book Award.

Major Translations: Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire (1983) - A complete English translation of Baudelaire's seminal poetry collection.

A Lover's Discourse by Roland Barthes (1978) - Translation of Barthes' meditation on love and language.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (2000) - A new translation of the classic French tale.

Strophes by Michel Leiris (1990) - Translation of selected poems from the French surrealist writer.

Camera Lucida by Roland Barthes (1981) - Translation of Barthes' final work on photography and memory.

Nadja by André Breton (1960) - Translation of the surrealist novel exploring love and identity in Paris.

Editorial Work: Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World - A comprehensive taxonomic reference guide for bird species.

W.H. Auden wrote complex poetry exploring historical figures and cultural commentary through dramatic monologues. His work as a translator and critic parallels Howard's dual career, and both poets demonstrated mastery of formal verse while engaging with contemporary themes.

James Merrill created sophisticated poetry that blends classical references with modern sensibilities. His work shares Howard's interest in elaborate formal structures and dramatic personae speaking across time periods.

Yves Bonnefoy wrote poetry and criticism that bridges French and English literary traditions. His work as both poet and translator mirrors Howard's career path, and his philosophical engagement with language and meaning echoes Howard's concerns.

Anthony Hecht composed formal poetry that draws on historical subjects and employs dramatic monologues. His work demonstrates the same attention to craft and historical imagination that characterizes Howard's poetry.

Robert Lowell developed poetry that combines personal experience with historical consciousness and formal innovation. His translations of European poetry and his use of personae connect directly to Howard's literary approaches.