Archibald MacLeish was an American poet, playwright, and public figure known for his significant contributions to literature and his engagement in political and cultural affairs. He was born on May 7, 1892, in Glencoe, Illinois, and he passed away on April 20, 1982.

MacLeish attended Yale University and later studied law at Harvard Law School. However, his passion for literature led him to pursue a career in writing instead. He became one of the leading voices of American poetry in the early 20th century and was highly regarded for his lyricism and intellectual depth.

In addition to his poetic works, MacLeish wrote several acclaimed plays, including “J.B.” (1958), a modern retelling of the biblical story of Job, which earned him a Pulitzer Prize. He also served as the Librarian of Congress from 1939 to 1944 and played a key role in the establishment of the modern Library of Congress.

Here are a few quotes from Archibald MacLeish:

1. “A poem should not mean, but be.”
2. “What is more important in a library than anything else — than everything else — is the fact that it exists.”
3. “A real writer learns from earlier writers the way a boy learns from an apple orchard — by stealing what he has a taste for and can carry off.”
4. “The only thing about a man that is a man is his mind. Everything else you can find in a pig or a horse.”
5. “To see the earth as it truly is, small and blue and beautiful in that eternal silence where it floats, is to see ourselves as riders on the earth together, brothers on that bright loveliness in the eternal cold.”

Here are five notable books by Archibald MacLeish:

1. “Conquistador” (1932) – A collection of poems exploring themes of discovery, conquest, and human ambition.
2. “Ars Poetica” (1926) – A collection of poems that reflect on the nature of poetry and the role of the poet.
3. “J.B.” (1958) – A verse play that reimagines the biblical story of Job in a modern context, exploring themes of suffering, faith, and the human condition.
4. “The Fall of the City” (1937) – A radio play that presents a powerful allegory of a decaying society and the need for human connection and solidarity.
5. “The Dialogues of Archibald MacLeish and Mark Van Doren” (1964) – A collection of conversations between MacLeish and poet Mark Van Doren, delving into various aspects of literature, art, and culture.

These works showcase Archibald MacLeish’s poetic craftsmanship, intellectual depth, and his ability to engage with complex themes and ideas. His writings continue to be celebrated for their lyrical beauty and insightful reflections on the human experience.