8 Awe-Inspiring Biographical Books About Female Poets

Anne Sexton was a poet, mother, and wife. She oscillated wildly between moods, struggled with her mental health, and her mind was in constant creative fervor.

The intimate moments shared in this book provide the reader with even further understanding of this whirlwind poet. 

Selected and edited by her daughter Linda Gray Sexton as well as her friend Lois Ames, the words written by the prolific poet draw the reader into the emotional waves she was riding. 

With added commentary, this book provides its audience with one of the most clear-eyed understandings of Anne Sexton as a woman, poet, and human.

Alexis Pauline Gumbs has taken on the task of sharing the life of Audre Lorde in this book, Survival is a Promise. 

Delving into the events of Lorde’s life and also the strength she cultivated, her politics, daily life, poetry, and relationships were all interwoven. 

This is displayed through the work she shared. Gumbs helps the readers tap into the power of a woman whose legacy is powerful and will never dissipate.

This biography of Elizabeth Bishop is shared by Megan Marshall, who was a former student of the poet. 

Through letters, other documents, and Marshall’s own experience learning from Bishop, readers can understand the inner workings of this writer, who went underappreciated in her time. 

As so often happens, her work has gained a larger audience since her death. Learning more about the person behind the words helps audiences further connect with Bishop.

The earliest of Anaïs Nin’s prolific journals begins in 1914 as Nin leaves Barcelona with her family to make the journey to America. 

Without a doubt, her diaries are Nin’s most prolific contribution to the written word. Seeing the dedication and determination even at age 11, when this diary begins, is impressive. 

Her words meander between observations, lyrics of devotion to her family, plans for the future, and so much more. Anyone who enjoys her work will enjoy experiencing her life as told by her younger self. 

In Open Me Carefully, readers get a more full-spectrum view of the woman who was Emily Dickinson. 

In correspondence with her sister-in-law Susan, as well as added commentary, we are taken through the ins and outs of life. The famous poet shares so much with her sister-in-law. 

It also happens to be her longest-running correspondence. Lyrical and playful, this work shows the true depth of a poet many claim to understand while very few actually do. 

This biographical work shares the life of a poet beloved by the literary world. Sylvia Plath is given a new dimension in Carl Rollyson’s work. 

The book shares letters between her and her husband, poet Ted Hughes. We’re given a more well-rounded look at Plath outside of the narration of her journals. 

Rollyson also looks at her work, as it consumed much of her life. Ultimately, readers are provided with a better understanding of a woman pedestalized and lost way too soon. 

Only one of the handful of autobiographies written by Maya Angelou and one of the most beloved, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is a call to love even in a world that tries to numb us. 

It becomes easy to see how she writes poetry that evokes such reverent emotion when she approaches life with an open heart. 

Angelou also does not shy away from sharing details even if they may be difficult to receive. In her delivery, we are invited to cultivate a greater understanding of a fellow human and legendary poet.

May Swenson, a poet who was a colleague of Elizabeth Bishop, forged her own path by leaving Utah for New York City to become a poet. 

Granddaughter of Swedish immigrants who fled to live safely as Mormons, Swenson knew she had to find a way in life that felt true to her. This, of course, came from poetry and writing. 

Through correspondence and personal diaries, the author helps to paint a picture of a poet who grew into herself during some of the most consequential times in the 20th century.