Harold Bloom: Biography, Achievements & Lasting Legacy
Who Was Harold Bloom?
Harold Bloom (July 11, 1930 – October 14, 2019) was an American literary critic and the Sterling Professor of humanities at Yale University. In 2017, Bloom was called "probably the most famous literary critic in the English-speaking world". After publishing his first book in 1959, Bloom wrote more than 50 books, including over 40 books of literary criticism, several books discussing religion, and one novel. He edited hundreds of anthologies concerning numerous literary and philosophical figures for the Chelsea House publishing firm. Bloom's books have been translated into more than 40 languages. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1995.
Bloom was a defender of the traditional Western canon at a time when literature departments were focusing on what he derided as the "School of Resentment" (which included multiculturalism, feminism, and Marxism). He was educated at Yale, the University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.
Key Facts
- Born: July 11, 1930 in The Bronx, New York, United States
- Died: October 14, 2019
- Field: Literature
- Awards: MacArthur Fellowship (1985), Catalonia International Prize (2002), Hans Christian Andersen Award (1999)
Awards and Recognition
Harold Bloom received significant recognition for his contributions:
- MacArthur Fellowship (1985)
- Catalonia International Prize (2002)
- Hans Christian Andersen Award (1999)
Legacy and Impact
The influence of Harold Bloom extends far beyond his own lifetime. He fundamentally shaped literature and the written word, and his written works and literary innovations remain foundational to this day.
Though he passed away in 2019, his ideas continue to be studied, debated, and built upon by scholars and practitioners worldwide.
Harold Bloom remains one of the most celebrated minds to emerge from United States, a testament to the rich intellectual heritage of the region.
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