Edgar Lee

< Edgar Lee

Masters, Edgar Lee was born in 1869 at Garnett, Kansas, and grew up in Lewistown, Illinois. His family was poor. As a result, he never graduated from college, but managed to study law and become an attorney at the age of 27. Through hard work and self- determination, he became a partner of the famous defense attorney, Clarence Darrow.

However, being a lawyer and working with Clarence Darrow didn't make him famous or prestigious. It was his poems, which were compiled into a volume, known as "The Spoon River Anthology," which attracted the attention of the public and led to his fame. This anthology consists of more than 200 short poems in free verse. Additionally, he wrote a verse play called "Manila" based upon the collection.

So, what is Spoon River? Well, Spoon River is an imaginary Midwestern village, based on Lewiston, Illinois, and each of the poems includes comments and opinions of former residents of the village who are now dead and buried in the Spoon River cemetery. These people contemplate the meaning of their lives by recalling their contributions and personal or family histories.

Besides the Spoon River Anthology, Edgar Lee Masters completed other works including "Maximilian" (1902), a volume of poetry and series of essays on imperialism; "The New Star Chamber and Other Essays" (1904), a collection of essays written during the 1900 presidential campaign; and "The Blood of the Prophets" (1905), a compilations of poems related to anti-imperialism.

Finally, after the publication of Spoon River Anthology, which Masters felt was the most successful accomplishment he made in his life, he decided to give up law and move to New York City in 1923. From 1923-1944, he lived in the Hotel Chelsea and then in several convalescent homes until shortly before his death.

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