Delmore Schwartz was a gifted and intellectual young student whose early work 'In Dreams Begin Responsibilities' garnered praise from many prominent literary figures. His writing, often drawing from his turbulent life and internal struggles, explores complex human relationships and existential questions. Schwartz's distinctive style and profound insights into the human psyche make him a notable figure in 20th-century American literature. His influence extends beyond literary circles, inspiring musicians and being the subject of literary tributes.
Delmore Schwartz's complete poetry collection showcases the depth and nuance of his work, highlighting his status as a significant yet often overlooked figure in 20th-century literature. The collection reveals his unique voice and themes, offering insights into the human experience through his innovative use of language and form. Critics recognize Schwartz for his profound impact on modern poetry, making this anthology a vital addition for both new readers and long-time admirers of his craft.
This is the first British publication of a seminal work of twentieth century fiction, rediscovering Delmore Schwartz for a new generation of readers.Delmore Schwartz became the voice of a new generation, when In Dreams Begin Responsibilities was published in the debut issue of 'Partisan Review' in 1937. His influence on other writers was immediate and is still enormous; he was an unfluence on Philip Roth and Saul Bellow, whose Humboldt's Gift is a fictionalised account of Bellow's own relationship with Schwartz.Delmore Schwartz is the only writer to be memorialised in a song by Lou Reed and also in one of John Berryman's Dream Songs. Despite his early promise and achievement Delmore Schwartz died destitute in a New York hotel in 1966.In Dreams Begin Responsibilities and Other Stories collects eight of Schwartz's finest stories; including the seminal In Dreams Begin Responsibilities, the foundation for all post-World War Two American-Jewish fiction. Delmore Schwartz found a vernacular language for the generational conflicts and self-analysis of educated and ambitious young people in conflict with their immigrant parents that is still captivating.
