Edmund Wilson
Literary critic and essayist

Born
May 8th, 1895
130 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1972
53 years ago — 77 years old
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
United States
Links & References
An influential American critic and essayist who contributed significantly to literary criticism and cultural commentary. Edited several prominent publications including The New Republic and The Nation. Authored numerous works that explored literature and society, including 'Axel's Castle' and 'To the Finland Station'. His writings examined the relationship between literature and politics across different eras, establishing a critical framework that remains referenced today.
Wrote 'Axel's Castle', a study of modern literature
Edited The New Republic and The Nation
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