Pierre Reverdy is one of the most important poets and theoreticians of poetry in twentieth-century French literature, on a par with Guillaume Apollinaire, Paul Valéry and Yves Bonnefoy. His work was slow to gain recognition, however, and it was only after his death that a new generation of poets, including Philippe Jaccottet, Jacques Dupin, André du Bouchet and Yves Bonnefoy acknowledged him as France’s foremost poet. He also exerted a considerable influence on American poetry, particularly on Wallace Stevens, John Ashbery (who translated him) and Frank O’Hara. Reverdy has become known as an artist of great integrity, remaining true to an uncompromising vision of poetic craftmanship throughout his life. He was described by his fellow artists as a young man inspired by a unique…
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Citation: Azerad, Hugo. "Pierre Reverdy". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 April 2008 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=11866, accessed 21 November 2024.]