Arthur Guiterman
Arthur Guiterman was a celebrated American poet, born in 1871 in Vienna to American parents. He moved to the United States, where he graduated from the College of the City of New York in 1891. Guiterman had a notable career as an editor for various publications, including the Woman's Home Companion and Literary Digest, and his work was well-received in prestigious outlets like The New York Times and The New Yorker. In 1909, he married Vida Lindo and played a key role in founding the Poetry Society of America the following year. Guiterman is best known for his humorous poetry, with his first collection, *Betel Nuts: What They Say in Hindustan*, published in 1907. His literary contributions also include the libretto and lyrics for the Metropolitan Opera's *The Man Without a Country* in 1937. Throughout his career, Guiterman demonstrated versatility in his writing, producing works that spanned various moods and styles, including collections like *The Laughing Muse* and *Ballads of Old New York*. He passed away on January 11, 1943.
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Arthur Guiterman
Poet
- Born: November 20, 1871
- Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
- Died: January 11, 1943
Biography
Arthur Guiterman, known for his humorous poetry, was born in 1871 in Vienna, Austria, the son of American-born parents. Guiterman eventually returned to the United States and attended the College of the City of New York City, graduating in 1891. After his graduation, Guiterman worked as an editor for numerous publications, including Woman’s Home Companion, and Literary Digest. In 1909, he married Vida Lindo of New York. The following year, he helped found the Poetry Society of America.
Guiterman became well known for writing rhymed literature reviews for Life magazine. His verse was also regularly published in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Saturday Evening Post, Harper’s, and other publications. In 1937, he wrote the libretto and lyrics for the Metropolitan Opera’s The Man Without a Country.
Guiterman’s most important contributions to the literary world were his collections of poetry. His first collection, Betel Nuts: What They Say in Hindustan, was published in 1907. It was the first of many collections. Labeled primarily as a humorist poet, Guiterman was capable of writing in multiple moods and styles, as reflected in some of his other collections, such as The Laughing Muse (1915), and Ballads of Old New York (1920). He died on January 11, 1943.