Early Life before Writing
Shel Silverstein was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. His father was of Russian Jewish descent, and his mother was Romanian Jewish. Growing up, he was a gifted artist and musician. After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the US Army in 1953, where he spent much of his time writing songs that he had performed when performing with his musical group, the “Honest Injun.” In 1955, his song “The Unicorn” was chosen by the Kingston Trio, earning him $500, which he used to help create his own record label.
His creativity and imagination were also seen in his own visual art, which he sold at galleries across the United States. Silverstein used a combination of mixed-media to create his art, including sketches, drawings, sculpture, and installation art. Despite Silverstein’s success with his artwork, he was more interested in writing than anything else.
Writing Beginnings
In 1957, Silverstein moved to New York City, where he quickly established himself as an up-and-coming writer. He started writing for newspapers, such as the New York Post and the Chicago Daily News, and magazines, such as Playboy. It was in the latter publication that he first gained notoriety for his writings, as he published poems that focused on the gritty, dark side of life.
For the next decade, Silverstein’s writing style evolved and shaped his signature voice. He wrote seriously enough to stay true to his vision, yet often poked fun at current events and culture. He was also known to wrap his writings in simple language, creating humorous and effective tales that resonated with a wide audience. This combination of emotional seriousness and lightheartedness made his books, plays, and poems instantly recognizable.
Finding Succes
In 1960, Silverstein published his first book, The Giving Tree, which became an instant classic and was reprinted several times. This beloved book, though written in a simple yet clever style, is a poignant exploration of adult themes such as selfless giving, sacrifice, and unconditional love.
This success opened up opportunities for him to take his works to Broadway and television, including the popular Alfred Hitchcock Presents. His award-winning plays and books have become part of American culture, collectively selling millions of copies in the US and around the world.
Continued Creative Endeavors
In 1974, Silverstein produced his first and only “children’s record”, Freakin’ at the Freaker’s Ball, which children and adults alike enjoyed. In 1975, he published the book A Light in the Attic, a collection of funny and thought-provoking poems that has become one of the most popular poetry books ever written.
To this day Silverstein is highly admired and beloved for his distinctive style and his ability to take complex themes and make them accessible to many. He inspired generations of writers, and is credited as one of the most important influences on the hip hop and rap cultures.
Influence from Popular Culture
Silverstein was certainly not alone in his creative pursuits. He was a contemporary of many popular writers like Jack Kerouac, and he was greatly influenced by Howard Zinn, who also focused on everyday trials and tribulations of Americans.
Silverstein was also heavily inspired by Beat poetry and the culture of the Beats, which in Silverstein’s words was “of fact and fiction and flexibility, of defiance and protest.” In particular, Silverstein enjoyed the works of Allen Ginsberg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti, which are often noted in his writings.
Impact on Comic Writing
Silverstein’s influence can still be seen in many comic writers today. His offbeat style of writing has inspired many comedians to take a unique slant on political and social issues, including Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. He was also heavily influential in the rise of standup comedy in the United States, paving the way for comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Paul Reiser.
It goes without saying that Silverstein’s work has had an enormous impact on American culture. But beyond the obvious entertainment value of his works, there is an immeasurable legacy of inspiration that he has left behind for future generations of creators.
Focus on Education and Learning
In the late 1960s, Silverstein studied at the University of Chicago, where he taught a class on humor entitled “Humor Writing,” which focused on “the thinking process and habits of mind necessary to create humor That experience led to more education-focused works, such as his writing in Look Magazine and its children’s section, as well as poetry collections such as “Where The Sidewalk Ends” and “Falling Up.” Silverstein’s works often focused on the joys and sorrows of growing up, and provided children with an innovative way of learning.
Silverstein’s books also focus heavily on encouraging exploration and risk-taking, while also providing readers with an insight into the complexities of life. He has written numerous books that explore seemingly mundane topics such as math and science, but by weaving in aspects of the imagination, he was able to provide young readers with an engaging way of looking at the world.
Silverstein and Collaborations
Silverstein was no stranger to collaborating with others on his work. He was known to get creative input from those around him and worked on multiple projects simultaneously with artists from many different backgrounds.
In 1972, Silverstein co-wrote a musical, The Enormous Radio, with composer John Forster, and in 1983 he worked with director Robert Altman to write a musical film, Popeye. He also wrote songs with artists such as Johnny Cash and collaborated with cartoonists such as Robert Crumb, finding inspiration in their art as much as they found in his writing.
Legacy and Inspiration
While Silverstein’s works span many decades, his influence and impact on the works of those who followed him are undeniable. In the digital age, Silverstein’s influence continues to be seen in many forms, from memes to film adaptations of his works. Silverstein was an inspiration to aspiring writers, and his works will continue to inspire creativity for many years to come.
