The Theatre of E. E. Cummings

About E. E. Cummings

E. E. Cummings (18941962) was among the most influential widely read and revered modernist poets. He was also a playwright a painter and a writer of prose. Born in Cambridge Massachusetts he studied at Harvard University and during World War I served with an ambulance corps in France. He spent three months in a French detention camp and subsequently wrote The Enormous Room a highly acclaimed criticism of World War I. After the war Cummings returned to the States and published his first collection of poetry Tulips & Chimneys which was characterized by his innovative style: pushing the boundaries of language and form while discussing love nature and war with sensuousness and glee. He spent the rest of his life painting writing poetry and enjoying widespread popularity and success. George J. Firmage edited many works by Cummings including Erotic Poems; Complete Poems 1904 1962; and Fairy Tales. George J. Firmage edited many works by Cummings including Erotic Poems; Complete Poems 1904 1962; and Fairy Tales. Norman Friedman is an emeritus professor of English at Queens College.