Share

Guillaume Apollinaire biography

2 photos

Quick Facts

  • PLACE OF DEATH: Paris, France
  • Originally: Guillelmus(Wilhelm) Apollinaris de Kostrowitzky
more about Guillaume

Best Known For

Guillaume Apollinaire,the French poet of Polish-Italian parentage, participated in all the avant-grade movements of the early 20th century.


Synopsis

Guillaume Apollinaire,the French poet of Polish-Italian parentage, participated in all the avant-grade movements of the early 20th century. His poetry was characterized by unusual word play, to the extent that he became known as the herald of Surrealism. He was killed while fighting in World War I.

Contents

Quotes

Come to the edge, he said. They said: We are afraid. Come to the edge, he said. They came. He pushed them and they flew.
– Guillaume Apollinaire
Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.
– Guillaume Apollinaire

Profile

(born Aug. 26, 1880, Rome?, Italy—died Nov. 9, 1918, Paris, Fr.) French poet of Polish-Italian birth. Arriving in Paris at age 20, Apollinaire always kept his early years obscure. In his short life he took part in all the avant-garde movements that flourished at the beginning of the 20th century. His poetry was characterized by daring, even outrageous, technical experiments. Because of his efforts to create an effect of surprise by means of unusual verbal associations and word patterns, he is often considered the herald of Surrealism. His poetic masterpiece was Alcools (1913). His death resulted from a head wound received in World War I.

Copyright © 1994-2011 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. For more information visit Britannica.com

ADVERTISEMENT

GetGlue

9186928 9186928
profile id: 9186928
profile name: Guillaume Apollinaire
profile occupation:
related profile id: 9186928
related profile name: Guillaume Apollinaire
related profile occupation:
related profile img: /imported/images/Biography/Images/Profiles/A/Guillaume-Apollinaire-9186928-1-402.jpg
related profile URL: /people/guillaume-apollinaire-9186928
profile
pop
Your Connections

Sign in with Facebook to see how you and your friends are connected to famous icons.

specific profile connection
Your Friends' Connections
specific friend connection
Profile Connections
    Show More Connections

    Celebrity Connections

    Show More Connections
    Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!