S. Foster Damon

Samuel Foster Damon (February 12, 1893 – December 25, 1971) was an American academic, a specialist in William Blake, a critic and a poet. When remembered as a Blake scholar, he is often compared in importance to Northrop Frye and David V. Erdman.[1]

Early life

He was born in Newton, Massachusetts. He was one of the Harvard Aesthetes, and married Louise Wheelwright, sister of John Wheelwright who was another poet identified with that grouping. He graduated from Harvard University in 1914, returning there after World War I as an instructor in the English Department.

Scholarly career

His book William Blake, His Philosophy and Symbols from 1924 was later followed by A Blake Dictionary (1965), the work for which he is perhaps best known. Their encyclopedic scope expanded Blake studies into the examination of the mystical and occult elements of Blake's work.[1]

His later academic career was at Brown University, where he had positions from 1927. His other writings include a biography of Amy Lowell, and the long poem The Moulton Tragedy, a heroic poem with lyrics (1971). He also published poetry under the pseudonym Samuel Nomad.

References
  1. Bentley 19

Works cited
  • Gerald Eades Bentley, ed. (1975). William Blake: The Critical Heritage. Volume 60 of Critical heritage series. Psychology Press. ISBN 9780415134415.
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