Clarence Hawkes: America’s Blind Naturalist and the World He Lived In

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Once-prominent author of nearly 60 books of poetry and prose, naturalist Clarence Hawkes (1869-1954) survived rural poverty, lost half a leg at age nine and was blinded at thirteen. With unfailing enthusiasm and optimism he transmuted pain into art and became an immensely prolific and popular writer. In this book James A. Freeman explores Hawkes’ life and works in fascinating detail, giving us a close look at both his personal trials and accomplishments as well as a thorough study of the context in which his works were written and published. Writing with uncanny accuracy and empathy about people and a natural world he could not see, Clarence Hawkes lived most of his life in western Massachusetts, where he was known as the Blind Poet of Hadley. Appropriately enough for the celebration of the 350th anniversary of the town, we hear current Hadley residents reminisce about the hard-working, gentlemanly, friendly neighbor with clouded glasses who seemed always to be at his typewriter.