Introduction

Harry Crosby was an exciting American poet, publisher, and member of the Lost Generation. Born into affluence in Boston in 1898, Crosby received an elite education before serving in World War I. After the war, he moved to Paris, where he mingled with the expatriate literary community and started his own publishing company. Despite his accomplishments, Crosby was plagued by depression, addiction, and tragic events that ultimately led to his untimely death. In this blog post, we will uncover the tragic story of Harry Crosby, a visionary poet, publisher, and Lost Generation icon.

Section 1: Early Life and Education

Harry Crosby was born into a wealthy family in Boston in 1898. His father, Thornton Davidson Crosby, was a successful businessman, and his mother, Laura Gardin Fraser, was a sculptor. Crosby attended the prestigious St. Mark’s School and went on to study at Harvard University. However, he dropped out of Harvard during his sophomore year to volunteer in World War I.

Section 2: World War I Service

Crosby’s experiences as an ambulance driver during World War I had a profound influence on his life and work. He witnessed firsthand the horrors of war and came back to America a changed man. His war experiences inspired many of his poems, including his first book of poetry, “Chariot of the Sun.”

Section 3: Move to Paris

In 1920, Crosby moved to Paris, where he became part of the expatriate literary community. He mingled with famous writers and artists such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Pablo Picasso. Crosby also fell in love with a fellow expatriate, Caresse Crosby, whom he would later marry.

Section 4: Black Sun Press

In 1927, Crosby and his wife started the Black Sun Press, a small publishing house that was dedicated to producing beautiful, limited-edition books. The press was known for its avant-garde and experimental works, many of which were written and illustrated by Crosby’s friends and acquaintances.

Section 5: The Lost Generation

Crosby was a member of the Lost Generation, a group of writers and artists who came of age during World War I and found inspiration in the post-war disillusionment and societal unrest. The Lost Generation writers, including Crosby, were known for their experimental styles and non-traditional subject matter.

Section 6: Tragic Events

Despite his many accomplishments, Crosby struggled with depression and addiction. He was also involved in several tragic events, including the suicide of his friend, the poet Hart Crane, and the accidental drowning of his son. These events took a toll on Crosby’s mental health.

Section 7: Suicide

In 1929, Crosby committed suicide with his mistress, Josephine Noyes Rotch. The couple was found dead in a hotel room in New York City, having consumed a cocktail of drugs. Crosby’s suicide was a shock to the literary community, and many mourned the loss of such a talented writer and publisher.

Section 8: Legacy

Despite his untimely death, Harry Crosby’s legacy lives on today. His contributions to the world of publishing and literature continue to inspire and influence writers and readers alike. Crosby’s poetry, books, and publications remain beloved by many, and his story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of depression and addiction.

FAQs

1. Who was Harry Crosby?

Harry Crosby was an American poet, publisher, and member of the Lost Generation. Born in Boston in 1898, Crosby attended St. Mark’s School and later dropped out of Harvard to serve in World War I. He moved to Paris in 1920, where he started the Black Sun Press with his wife, Caresse Crosby.

2. What was the Black Sun Press?

The Black Sun Press was a small publishing house started by Harry and Caresse Crosby in 1927. The press produced beautiful, limited-edition books and was known for its avant-garde and experimental works.

3. What is the Lost Generation?

The Lost Generation was a group of writers and artists who came of age during World War I and found inspiration in the post-war disillusionment and societal unrest. The Lost Generation writers were known for their experimental styles and non-traditional subject matter.

4. What tragic events affected Harry Crosby?

Harry Crosby was involved in several tragic events, including the suicide of his friend, the poet Hart Crane, and the accidental drowning of his son. These events took a toll on Crosby’s mental health.

5. How did Harry Crosby die?

Harry Crosby committed suicide in 1929 with his mistress, Josephine Noyes Rotch. The couple was found dead in a New York City hotel room, having consumed a cocktail of drugs.

6. What is Harry Crosby’s legacy?

Despite his untimely death, Harry Crosby’s legacy lives on today. His contributions to the world of publishing and literature continue to inspire and influence writers and readers alike. Crosby’s poetry, books, and publications remain beloved by many.

7. What can we learn from Harry Crosby’s story?

Harry Crosby’s story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of depression and addiction. Despite his many accomplishments, Crosby struggled with these issues throughout his life and ultimately succumbed to them. His story reminds us to take care of our mental health and seek help when we need it.

Conclusion

Harry Crosby was a visionary poet, publisher, and Lost Generation icon whose tragic story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of depression and addiction. Despite his struggles, Crosby made significant contributions to the world of literature and publishing, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence writers and readers alike. We can honor his memory by learning from his mistakes and taking care of our mental health.