Today in History: Robert Penn Warren

Special Order No. 102, Office of the Librarian, Library of Congress, May 9, 1944

Today in History–September 15–the Library of Congress features writer Robert Penn Warren, who died on this date in 1989. A novelist and poet who won a Pulitzer Prize for his novel All the Kings Men and two Pulitzers for his poetry, Warren was also a teacher, critic. He also served as poetry consultant for the Library from 1944-45 and as U.S. poet laureate in 1986. Discover more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources about the wordsmith Robert Penn Warren.

Robert Penn Warren portrait

Robert Penn Warren correspondence

Robert Penn Warren historical newspaper coverage

Robert Penn Warren is Named First Poet Laureate, Poetry Consultant” Library of Congress Information Bulletin, March 10, 1986 (.pdf)

Literary Birthday Celebration: Robert Penn Warren streaming webcast

Robert Penn Warren from Modern American Poetry includes criticism excerpts of  Warren’s poetry, selected poems, and a biographical essay

Robert Penn Warren digital resource guide

Poetry primary sources & teaching resources

Literature primary sources & teaching resources