Ezra Pound | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 11, 2025

Who is Ezra Pound?

Ezra Pound was a pioneering figure in modernist poetry, known for his innovative contributions to English and American literature. Born on October 30, 1885, in Hailey, Idaho, Pound spent much of his childhood near Philadelphia. He pursued his passion for poetry seriously, eventually studying at the University of Pennsylvania and earning a degree in philosophy from Hamilton College. In 1908, he left for Europe, where he published his first book of poetry and quickly immersed himself in the vibrant literary scenes of London and Paris. His involvement in the Imagism movement marked a significant shift in poetry, emphasizing clarity, precision, and the use of vivid imagery.

Throughout his career, Pound championed the works of many notable writers, including T.S. Eliot and James Joyce, playing a crucial role in modernist literature's evolution. However, his later life took a controversial turn as his support for Fascist ideologies during World War II led to his arrest for treason. Following incarceration, he was deemed insane and spent over a decade in a mental hospital before returning to Italy, where he continued to write. His legacy is complex; though he faced backlash due to his political views, he remains celebrated for his distinctive voice in poetry and criticism, particularly through his major work, "The Cantos."

Early Life and Education

Ezra Pound was born on October 30, 1885, in Hailey, Idaho, to Homer Loomis Pound, a Federal Land Office official, and Isabel Pound. The family later moved to Pennsylvania, where Ezra enjoyed a happy childhood. He attended Cheltenham Military Academy for two years before transferring to a local public school to complete his education. Driven by an early passion for literature, he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania in 1901. However, after two years of study, he transferred to Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, where he earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy.

From a young age, Ezra demonstrated a commitment to becoming a poet, a path he boldly declared to his parents at the age of 15. His supportive upbringing helped bolster his ambitions, and after graduating in 1907, he took a teaching position at Wabash College in Indiana. However, the environment proved stifling for the aspiring poet, prompting him to leave and set his sights on Europe. In 1908, with only $80 in hand, Pound embarked on a journey across the Atlantic, fully confident that he would carve out a successful career in poetry abroad.

Career Beginnings in Poetry

Ezra Pound's foray into the world of poetry began after his formal education at Hamilton College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy. Despite his parents' conventional backgrounds, they fully supported his aspiration to become a poet. In 1907, shortly after graduating, Pound took a teaching position at Wabash College in Indiana. However, his bohemian spirit clashed with the academic environment, leading him to leave the job and embark on a more adventurous career path in Europe. In 1908, armed with just $80 and immense ambition, Pound sailed to Venice, aspiring to make his mark in the literary world.

Upon arriving in Europe, Pound self-published his first collection of poems, "A Lume Spento," which, while not an immediate success, managed to garner attention and opened doors for future opportunities. His literary journey soon found momentum in London, where he established friendships with key figures like Ford Madox Ford and William Butler Yeats. In the vibrant literary scene of early 20th-century London, Pound's voice began to resonate, culminating in the publication of three significant works in 1909. These books showcased his innovative approach and solidified his reputation as one of the most influential modern poets of his time.

Major Success and Achievements

Ezra Pound's literary journey is marked by significant contributions to modern poetry, particularly through his role in the Imagism movement. This movement heralded a new era in literature that emphasized precision, economy, and clarity in language, diverging sharply from the Romantic and Victorian traditions. His maxims, such as "Use no superfluous word" and "Do not retell in mediocre verse," underscored his commitment to terse, impactful expression. Pound went on to publish notable works, including "Personae" and "Lumen Spento", which established him as a prominent voice in modernist literature. His editorial influence on T.S. Eliot's masterpiece, "The Waste Land", further solidified his reputation as a key figure in the literary scene of the early 20th century.

Beyond his literary prowess, Pound's ambitious project, "The Cantos", represents one of his most significant achievements, encapsulating his views on economics and history. Initiated in 1915, this extensive poem became a lifelong work, expanding and evolving over decades, and demonstrating his deep interest in the socio-political issues of his time. Despite the controversies surrounding his political views and affiliations, such as his support of Mussolini and troubling broadcasts during World War II, Pound’s literary legacy remains impactful. His work has influenced countless writers and artists, ensuring his place in the pantheon of modern literature, despite the complexities of his personal beliefs and actions.

Life in Italy and Political Views

After settling in Italy in 1924, Ezra Pound's life took a significant turn both personally and professionally. He became deeply involved with Italian culture and established relationships that would shape his later political views. It was in the tranquil surroundings of Rapallo that Pound fathered two children, a daughter named Maria with violinist Olga Rudge and a son named Omar with his wife, Dorothy. This period also marked a shift in his literary focus, as he immersed himself in the development of "The Cantos," a comprehensive exploration of history and economics that reflected his growing concern over moral and financial injustices in society.

Pound's fascination with economics led him to endorse the controversial theories of Major C.H. Douglas and develop a pro-Fascist stance that could ultimately prove detrimental to his legacy. He aligned himself with Benito Mussolini, believing that his policies could address the perceived corruption wrought by international bankers and global financial systems. During World War II, his passionate broadcasts in support of Mussolini, coupled with anti-American and anti-Semitic rhetoric, not only alienated him from his literary compatriots but also resulted in his arrest for treason after the war. Despite the attempts to justify his beliefs, Pound's political views have remained a contentious aspect of his complex biography.

Personal Life: Wife and Children

Ezra Pound's personal life was marked by complex relationships and poignant family dynamics. He married Dorothy Shakespear in 1914, a talented artist and writer herself, who became a vital support during much of his artistic journey. Their marriage, however, faced strains over the years, particularly as Pound's literary ambitions and political beliefs evolved and led him into controversial territories. Despite the pressures, Dorothy remained a steadfast partner, often overlooked in the annals of Pound's storied literary career.

Pound also had children who played significant roles in his life. His daughter, Maria, was born from a relationship with American violinist Olga Rudge in 1925. While he initially struggled to balance fatherhood with his literary ambitions, Maria would later inspire much of his work. Their bond deepened through shared experiences in the arts, highlighting the more human side of a man often consumed by his intellectual pursuits. His son, Omar, from his marriage to Dorothy, further enriched his life, providing family ties that remained significant amid the tumultuous backdrop of Pound's public persona and tragic political downfall.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Ezra Pound, the influential American poet and literary figure, had a complex financial life marked by success and turmoil. While specific figures regarding his net worth are not readily available, it can be inferred that his earnings fluctuated significantly throughout his career. In the early years, after moving to Europe in 1908, Pound relied on the income from his teaching job, but as he established himself, his poetry and critical writings gained him recognition. His involvement with notable literary figures, such as T.S. Eliot and James Joyce, also provided him opportunities for financial gain and broader readership.

Despite his significant literary achievements, including the groundbreaking "The Cantos," Pound's financial situation deteriorated dramatically during World War II due to his anti-American broadcasts and subsequent arrest for treason. His confinement at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C., limited his income opportunities for over a decade. Even though his later years saw some revival, with support from contemporaries like Robert Frost, his financial legacy remains tied to the contentious and often polarizing aspects of his life and work. By the time of his passing in 1972, Pound had published a staggering 70 books and worked on numerous others, indicating a prolific career that, while commercially successful at times, was marred by controversy.