Guy Davenport American writer, translator, poet, essayist, artist. Date of Birth: 23.11.1927 Country: USA

1. American Polymath
2. Early Life and Education
3. Military Service and Academic Career
4. Literary Affiliations and Influences
5. Translation and Literary Criticism
6. Artistic Pursuits

American Polymath

Donald Justice was a renowned American author, translator, poet, essayist, and artist.

Early Life and Education

Born in Miami, Florida, Justice studied classical and English literature at Duke University. He later pursued Old English literature at Oxford University under the mentorship of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Military Service and Academic Career

After serving in the US Army, Justice embarked on a career in teaching, translation, and writing. He earned a PhD in English from Yale University, with a dissertation on the work of Ezra Pound.

Literary Affiliations and Influences

Justice maintained close relationships with literary figures such as Wallace Stevens, Samuel Beckett, Louis Zukofsky, Eudora Welty, Allen Ginsberg, Robert Creeley, and Hugh Kenner. Pound's influence on his work was significant, as he visited him in St. Elizabeth's Hospital and later at Pound's home in Rapallo.

Translation and Literary Criticism

Justice translated ancient Greek poetry by poets such as Archilochus, Sappho, Alcman, and Anacreon. He also translated Rilke's poetry and provided commentary on Homer's works.

Artistic Pursuits

Beyond literature, Justice expressed his creativity through graphic art and book design. He produced limited-edition books in collaboration with artists such as Michael Mazur and Barry Moser.