Early Life and Education
Born on September 25, 1930, in Chicago, Shel Silverstein was an American writer, poet, and cartoonist. As an only child, Silverstein grew up in a single-parent home, his mother having divorced when he was a toddler. He attended Chicago University and acquired his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English. During his time there, he was very involved in student activities, such as co-founding the “Bullfeathers” satirical publication and winning the university’s New Music Contest.
Career and Works
Silverstein first rose to fame, however, as a songwriter. After penning the lyrics to the hit single “A Boy Named Sue” for Johnny Cash in the late 1960s, he gained a reputation for writing creative, clever music. After his success in the music industry, he moved on to writing and illustrating books; his first book, titled ‘Take Ten’, was published in 1965. This was followed by some of his most famous works, such as ‘The Giving Tree’, ‘Where the Sidewalk Ends’ and ‘A Light in the Attic’, which were released between 1964 and 1981.
Humor and Creativity
Silverstein’s humor and creativity were very much on display in his work. Humorous songs, children’s books and cartoons were all elements of his style. His magazines pieces often incorporated absurdist humor, such as in “The Funniest-Ugliest Man Contest”, and he wrote extensively about intangible metaphysical topics, such as in “Anarchy in the Street”. Silverstein also crafted darkly comic poems, such as in “Dandelion Wine”, exploring the complexities of life.
Impact of Silverstein’s Works
Silverstein’s works have been praised by literary and educational figures alike. Dr. Seuss wrote that Silverstein’s poetry was “great poetry”, and educator Donna Rankin remarked that Silverstein’s books “are the kind that have that lasting power… they stay with them [students] long after they have read the book”. Silverstein’s works have also been used by teachers to explore language and critical thinking topics with their students. Silverstein is remembered as one of the greatest children’s authors of all time, and his works will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
Legacy
Shel Silverstein died on May 10, 1999, at the age of 68 due to a massive heart attack. Even after his death, he continues to influence others with his legacy. For instance, in 2018, the Library of Congress celebrated his iconic children’s book, The Giving Tree, by naming it the 11th National Book Festival Medal of Honor recipient. In recognizing his gift for creating stories that transcend generations, The Giving Tree joined the ranks of 19 other books by iconic authors such as Ernest Hemingway, Harper Lee and Barbara Kingsolver.
Philanthropy
Though not known to most, Silverstein was a major philanthropist. He had given millions of dollars to multiple charities and foundations. Perhaps the most notable of these foundations was the Fledgling Fund, which provided grants to promising directors to help them produce their first feature-length works. Other foundations that he supported included children’s health charities and others which were focused on the arts.
Honors and Awards
Silverstein’s works were showered with prestigious awards during his lifetime. “The Giving Tree” was designated a 2018 Library of Congress National Book Festival Medal of Honor recipient, and he also earned the prestigious Academy of American Poets Fellowship; the medal is given to an individual “whose lifetime accomplishments warrant extraordinary recognition”. Other awards included the Caldecott Honor Award, a Grammy, and the Sentinel Literary Quarterly Awards in Children’s Literature.
Personal Life
Little is known about Silverstein’s personal life. He had no children and kept no permanent home, preferring to roam around the world. Despite his fame, he was known to be a modest and private person, devoted to the spiritedness of the creative process. He shared his advice to aspiring writers through a simple and inspiring message—“Listen to the muse, he knows”.
Off-Broadway Plays
Silverstein was also an accomplished playwright. In 1966, his play “Bitsy Moon and Other Spaced-Out Rarities” debuted off-Broadway in New York City, to critical acclaim. His other plays included “The Lady or the Tiger,” “Threads of Fate,” and “Runaway to Nowhere”. Silverstein was always pushing himself to find new ways to express himself and create new work.
Poet Laureate
Silverstein was publicly acknowledged as the United States’ first poet laureate in 2016, deserving of the title and its associated recognition given the diversity and profound impact of his works. He was not only United States’ first poet laureate but also one of the most successful poets and authors. He has left a powerful legacy that is cherished by many as a source of encouragement, inspiration and education.
Final Legacy
Silverstein left a lasting legacy not just through his books, music, and theater. He also left a legacy of peace and positive social change: He often helped the less fortunate, using his wealth to open homes for abused women and children, to fund music and wrestling programs for young people, and to buy equipment, books and toys that were donated to hospitals and schools. Silverstein’s life embodies the concepts of creativity, commitment, and perseverance. His works have empowered individuals and forever changed the culture, recognized for generations and will continue to live on.
