Hilda Doolittle (1886-1961) is perhaps best known for her connection with the Imagist movement of the early 20th century.

The Imagist circle of which HD was a member included poets such as Ezra Pound, Marianne Moore, and William Carlos Williams. These poets were characterized by a distaste for the sentimental poetry of the Victorian Era. They championed precise, economical use of language and imagery.

Excluding Williams, the Imagists preferred traditionally European images and drew upon classical literature. HD was influenced by the rediscovered works of the ancient Greek poetess, Sappho.

One of HD's most acclaimed works is the epic poem Helen in Egypt, which was published posthumously in 1961.

More Poetry by HD
More on Hilda's Life
HD reads "Helen in Egypt"
Literary Criticism on Sea Garden, HD's first volume of poetry

Picture Courtesy of Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University.
Information: Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, 3rd Edition.