Gary Snyder

Gary Snyder, a poet, essayist, lecturer, and environmental activist, is widely known for his association with the Beat Generation and the San Francisco Renaissance. His body of work, which reflects a deep immersion in both Buddhist spirituality and nature, has garnered him a multitude of accolades. Among them are the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, the American Book Award, the Bollingen Prize for Poetry, the John Hay Award for Nature Writing, and the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize. Snyder's linguistic skills are also noteworthy, with translations of literature from ancient Chinese and modern Japanese into English to his credit. In addition to his literary accomplishments, he has served as a member of the California Arts Council and has held academic positions at the University of California, Davis.

Establishing his credentials in Asian culture and languages during his studies at the University of California, Berkeley, Snyder spent his summers working intensively in forests, even working as a trail-builder in Yosemite. His interest in Asian studies extended to the American Academy of Asian Studies, where he was an occasional student. These experiences greatly influenced his work, as seen in his first book, "Riprap," published in 1959. His in-depth understanding of Zen, which he studied in Japan, led to him becoming the first foreign disciple of Rinzai Rōshi Oda Sesso. During his time in Japan, he published two collections of poems: "Myths & Texts" and "Six Sections from Mountains and Rivers Without End."

After returning from Japan, Snyder traveled through India with Allen Ginsberg, Peter Orlovsky, and his then-wife Joanne Kyger, meeting with the Dalai Lama in Dharamashala to discuss Buddhist principles and practices. His commitment to nature and environmental activism continued to manifest in his life and work. In 1966, he joined a group to purchase 100 acres of land in Northern California, where he later built his home. His book "The Back Country," published in 1967, included poems and translations of Kenji Miyazawa's work. Snyder's work "Turtle Island" won a Pulitzer Prize in 1974, and his book "Axe Handles" won an American Book Award in 1983. Through his work and activism, Snyder has not only made significant contributions to American literature but has also driven forward conversations about environmentalism and stewardship of the planet.