Interview with Robert Penn Warren, October 6, 1977

Interview Summary

Warren begins the interview by recalling his childhood in detail, including anecdotes of his brother, father, and both grandfathers. Next, Warren talks of his teenage years, with musings upon his favorite poems, career interests, and moving to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University. Then, the various educational institutions Warren attended are listed, beginning with his undergraduate years. The cultures of each school are compared to one another as well. Warren's change from emphasis upon fiction to poetry is documented, along with the role of setting in his work as a whole. Additionally, Warren's versatility as a writer is highlighted, paired with the author's writing process for poetry and prose.

Secondly, Warren's literary shift is elaborated upon. The author's favorite poems are then noted. Warren recollects his time at the Library of Congress, and a brief mentioning of TV movie adaptations of Warren's literature are presented. Warren and his friendships with contemporaries Allen Tate and Robert Lowell are discussed as well. Lastly, the Southern Agrarian movement, the South (in general), and Warren's interest in Italy are examined.

Interview Keyword

Genealogy Childhood Families. Television Italy World War, 1939-1945 Library of Congress

Interview LC Subject

Authors Literature Warren, Robert Penn, 1905-1989 Poetry American literature--20th century Friendship Philosophy Education Professors Novels Travel Writing Regionalism--Southern states

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.