John Berryman

John Berryman was an American poet and professor, best known for his innovative and deeply personal poetry, particularly his work "The Dream Songs," which blends confessional elements with rich imagery and historical references. Born in 1914, he experienced a turbulent life marked by personal struggles, including depression and alcohol abuse. Berryman's writing often explores themes of identity, loss, and existential despair, making profound connections between the self and the collective human experience. He won several prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1965, solidifying his place as a significant figure in 20th-century American literature.