Career and work
Lowell was one of the major American poets of the twentieth century. He published 17 poetry collections. Lord Weary’s Castle won the Pulitzer Prize, Life Studies won the National Book Award, and Day by Day won the National Book Critics Circle Award. He also served as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress in 1947–48 and taught at several universities. [7]
What has been publicly discussed
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
Academy of American PoetsRobert Lowell Documents Lowell's severe manic depression and repeated psychiatric hospital stays.
article or webpageFresh AirKay Redfield Jamison on Robert Lowell Jamison discusses Lowell's mania, depression, hospitalizations and treatment.
podcast or transcriptSeattle Public LibraryKay Redfield Jamison transcript Includes detailed discussion of Lowell's treatment, lithium response and later relapses.
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History News NetworkKay Redfield Jamison on Lowell Supports Jamison's use of Lowell's medical records and his psychotherapy and other treatments.
article or webpageJohns Hopkins Hub“The psychologist and the mad poet” Summarizes Jamison's research on Lowell's bipolar disorder and hospitalizations.
article or webpagePoetry Foundation“Headless Hearts” Includes Lowell's correspondence about lithium.
article or webpageLibrary of CongressRobert Lowell Covers Lowell's career, awards, teaching and service as Consultant in Poetry.
article or webpageAcademy of American PoetsAcademy of American Poetsarticle or webpage
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Recommended books and other resources about Robert Lowell and their experiences.
- The Letters of Robert LowellBook · Macmillan
Lowell’s correspondence includes direct discussion of his illness and treatment.
- Robert Lowell: Setting the River on Fire, by Kay Redfield JamisonBook · Google Books
Jamison studies Lowell's life, illness, treatment, relationships and writing.
- “Waking in the Blue”Poem · Academy of American Poets
A poem drawing directly on Lowell's experience at McLean Hospital.