Guillaume Apollinaire
- Born:
- August 26, 1880, Rome, Italy
- Died:
- November 9, 1918, Paris, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Playwright, Novelist, Art Critic, Short Story Writer
Early Life and Education
- Born Wilhelm Albert Włodzimierz Apolinary Kostrowicki, an illegitimate child.
- Educated in Monaco and at various colleges in France, including Cannes, Nice, and Lyon.
- Never formally attended university.
- Early travels influenced his writing style and exposed him to various cultures.
Career and Major Achievements
- Pioneered Modernist poetry, experimenting with form, language, and subject matter.
- Co-founded the literary magazine Les Soirées de Paris.
- Advocate for Cubism and other avant-garde art movements.
- Served in the French Army during World War I, receiving French citizenship.
- Wounded in action in 1916.
Notable Works
- Poetry Collections:
- Alcools (1913) - Notably contains poems exploring themes that are a central focus within an 'ivresse dans alcools de guillaume apollinaire biography', such as those found in the poems about alcohol.
- Calligrammes (1918)
- Novels:
- Le poète assassiné (1916)
- Les Onze Mille Verges (1907)
- Plays:
- Les Mamelles de Tirésias (1917)
- Art Criticism:
- Les Peintres cubistes, méditations esthétiques (1913)
Legacy and Impact
Guillaume Apollinaire was a highly influential figure in 20th-century literature and art. His innovative poetic techniques and advocacy for avant-garde movements significantly shaped modernism. His works continue to be studied and admired for their originality and exploration of contemporary themes.