Carl Sandburg

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Attacked though he may have been by some literary critics, Sandburg (1878-1967) captured in his rugged free verse the varied substance and rhythms of American life more fully, says Niven, than any poet of his time. He was a vagabond poet, a minstrel of democracy, a champion in verse and prose of the rights of the working class, his poems deeply felt rather than cerebral. Backed by the author's seven years of research, this major biography presents this son of immigrant Swedes in his roles as hobo, soldier, journalist, orator, socialist, biographer of Abraham Lincoln and poet. Freelance writer Niven covers his long, fruitful life, and his happy marriage to Paula Steichen, in elegant prose that captures the sweep of his development as poet and man. Her book is a fine achievement. Photos not seen by PW. (July)

Library Journal

This excellent, comprehensive biography holds the reader fascinated despite its length. Based on 14 years' research that embraced more than 50,000 letters and papers and interviews with 150 people, this portrait captures every phase from birth to death of ``the quintessential American voice.'' Considerable background material is supplied on the history of Sandburg's times and personal influences. Presenting the man and his accomplishments objectively, Niven quotes extensively from evaluations of Sandburg's work, both effusive and more critical. His fortunate marriage to Paula Steichen, sister of the photographer Edward Steichen, brought three daughters and a partner whose name was the last spoken word on his lips. One is left with the impression that his multi-volumed biography of Abraham Lincoln was probably his greatest achievement, at least the one that brought national fame and acclaim; however, his many other facets are carefully delineated in this labor of love and fine scholarship.-- Addie Lee Bracy, Beaver Coll. Lib., Glenside, Pa.