Delmore Schwartz

Delmore Schwartz was born in 1913, the son of Jewish immigrants. A poet and fiction writer, he was the greatest literary figure of the generation that grew up in the US during the Depression, gaining prominence in World War II.

It was in July 1935 that Delmore wrote "Responsibilities Begin in Dreams", undoubtedly his greatest work. Turbulent love affairs and dissipation through alcohol intersect with his life as a writer and his academic career, which culminated at Syracuse University.

Delmore died in poverty in 1966. His body lay in the morgue for three days without anyone claiming it.