Margaret Widdemer was an American poet and novelist, born on September 30, 1884, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She made significant contributions to early 20th-century American literature, with a special focus on poetry. Widdemer won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1919 for her collection The Old Road to Paradise, sharing the award with Carl Sandburg for Cornhuskers. Her work was known for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty, reflecting themes of love, personal growth, and the human condition.
In addition to her poetry, Widdemer authored novels, capturing the complexities of relationships and the internal struggles of her characters. Her writing resonated with readers for its sensitivity and insight into the challenges of everyday life. Widdemer was married to Robert Haven Schauffler in 1919, and they lived in various locations throughout their lives. She was the daughter of Howard T. Widdemer. Margaret Widdemer lived to the age of 93, passing away on July 14, 1978, in Gloversville, New York. Her legacy remains important in the literary world for her unique voice and influence on American poetry.