S. Foster Damon

Samuel Foster Damon (February 12, 1893 – December 25, 1971) was an American academic, a specialist in William Blake, a critic and a poet. When remembered as a Blake scholar, he is often compared in importance to Northrop Frye and David V. Erdman.[1]

Early life

He was born in Newton, Massachusetts. He graduated from Harvard University in 1914, returning there after World War I as an instructor in the English Department. He was one of the Harvard Aesthetes, and married Louise Wheelwright, sister of John Brooks Wheelwright, another active Harvard Aesthete.[2]

Scholarly career

His book William Blake, His Philosophy and Symbols from 1924 was later followed by A Blake Dictionary (1965), the work for which he is perhaps best known. Their encyclopedic scope expanded Blake studies into the examination of the mystical and occult elements of Blake's work.[1]

His later academic career was at Brown University, where he had positions from 1927. His other writings include a biography of Amy Lowell, and the long poem The Moulton Tragedy, a heroic poem with lyrics (1971). He also published poetry under the pseudonym Samuel Nomad.

References
  1. Bentley 19
  2. "Wheelwright, John Brooks (1897-1940)". Brown University, Office of the Curator, Portrait Collection. 12 February 2021.

Works cited
  • Gerald Eades Bentley, ed. (1975). William Blake: The Critical Heritage. Volume 60 of Critical heritage series. Psychology Press. ISBN 9780415134415.
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