Saskia Hamilton, an esteemed poet and author, passed away on June 7 at the age of 56 in her Manhattan home. Recognized for her prize-winning poetry and her work on the letters of Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Hardwick, Hamilton made significant contributions to the literary world. Her brother, John Hamilton, confirmed that the cause of death was cancer.
Hamilton joined the English department at Barnard College in 2002 and was appointed as a vice provost in 2018. In a memorial tribute on Barnard’s website, Linda A. Bell, the provost and dean of the faculty, described Hamilton’s poetry as a keen observation of everyday life. Bell quoted a line from Hamilton’s poem “This Hour” (2017), emphasizing how it highlighted the beauty of ordinary moments shared.
Hamilton’s debut poetry collection, “As for Dream,” was published in 2001 and featured enigmatic and fragmentary poems that explored themes of loss. One notable poem, “In the Hospital,” depicted a dialogue that evoked profound emotions.
Critics praised Hamilton’s restraint and the challenge it posed to readers. Leslie Ullman, in a Poetry magazine review, applauded her ability to captivate and dared readers to crave more of her work. Throughout her career, Hamilton released three more poetry collections, including “Corridor” in 2014, which garnered recognition from David Orr of The New York Times as one of the top ten poetry books of the year.
In addition to her own poetic accomplishments, Hamilton excelled at shedding light on the lives and works of other writers, particularly Robert Lowell. Her book “The Letters of Robert Lowell” (2005) delved into the personal struggles and experiences of the renowned poet. Hamilton also co-edited “Words in Air: The Complete Correspondence Between Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell” (2008), which explored the three-decade-long exchange between the two Pulitzer Prize-winning poets.
However, Hamilton’s most captivating book was “The Dolphin Letters, 1970-1979: Elizabeth Hardwick, Robert Lowell, and Their Circle” (2019). This groundbreaking work utilized letters to examine a controversial period in Lowell’s life and its impact on his relationship with Hardwick. The book sparked a debate on the ethical boundaries of art and the use of personal experiences as material.
Hamilton’s commitment to her subjects was palpable, especially when discussing her connection with Hardwick in a Vanity Fair interview. She expressed a sense of intimacy, as if Hardwick’s presence was guiding her through the process of working on the letters. Hamilton appreciated the idea that her neighbor, metaphorically, could look through the window and witness her research.
Saskia Hamilton was born on May 5, 1967, in Washington. Her father, John, was a writer and editor, while her mother, Elise Wiarda, is an artist and therapist. As a young poet, Hamilton received recognition at the first convocation for young poets at Indiana University, winning the top prize of $15,000. She used this prize money to support her education at New York University and later obtained a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from Boston University.
Before joining the Barnard faculty, Hamilton taught at Kenyon College. She leaves behind a legacy that not only explored themes of grief and loss but also challenged readers to contemplate life’s profound mysteries. Professor Bell, in her tribute, described how Hamilton’s poetry used beautiful words to capture the essence of these universal human experiences. Hamilton is survived by her son, Lucien Hamilton, and her siblings Claudia, Emma, and James Hamilton.
In conclusion, Saskia Hamilton was a talented poet and scholar whose writings left a lasting impact on the literary world. Through her poetry collections and her exploration of the lives of other writers, she exemplified creativity and intellectual curiosity. Her ability to delve into complex themes and create poignant verses will continue to inspire future generations of poets and readers alike.
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