Regarded as one of the most successful poets of the 20th century, E.E. Cummings who died over forty years ago has managed to keep his appeal by remaining one of the top purchased poets in recent years. Perhaps what appeals most to readers is his trademark style with syntax and typography, or the themes of individuality and anti-war sentiments that echo throughout his poems. In the latest biography about Cummings, author Christopher Sawyer-Laucanno attempts to dignify the poet by glorifying him to the same standards as other giants such as Eliot and Pound, whom tend to be much more respected amongst scholars. However, readers of the biography have commented that the in depth examination of Cumming's life is down right weird and exposes Cummings lack of talent as a poet. The biography however has managed to be a success for the most part due to the in depth recollections of Cummings a colorful life. Born in 1894 in New England to a stern religious family, Cummings' father was a professor of sociology at Harvard, and the first attendant of higher education from the Cummings family. By 21, Cummings had already written one of his most anthologized pieces, and established his own style. During WW1 Cummings volunteered to be an ambulance driver for the Red Cross and between dumb decisions and bad luck was arrested on suspicion of espionage. Those holding Cummings offered him a plea for release at an admittance of hate for the Germans. However, Cummings refused to do so, and was held in a French prison until the American government finally arranged his release. 20 lbs. lighter, beaten up and in wretched health, Cumming's condition and experiences inspired "The Enormous Room" which launched his poetry career.Along with an allegiance to communism, one of the turning points towards a hate for Cummings came after he impregnated a friend's wife and agreed to pretend the baby was not his. The book also describes Cummings open hate for Jews and Homosexuals. In the Biography, Christopher Sawyer-Laucanno does at times paint a nasty picture of Cummings to readers. However, Sawyer-Laucanno does applaud the poet by emphasizing his masterworks, rather than dismissing the works as immature and silly like most critics do at first glance.