Witter Bynner

Witter Bynner is widely recognized for his contributions to American poetry, particularly his involvement with the "Spectra" hoax, a modernist poetry movement satire he co-created. He was also a significant translator of Chinese poetry, bringing classical works to English-speaking audiences.

Witter Bynner famously co-created the fictional modernist poetry movement known as "Spectra" with Arthur Davison Ficke, publishing under the pseudonyms Emanuel Morgan and Anne Knish. This literary prank satirized the excesses of some contemporary poetic styles.

Bynner's original poetry often features lyrical qualities and a focus on personal experience and nature, while his translations of Chinese poetry are noted for their clarity and elegance, aiming to capture the spirit of the original works.