Paul Zimmer, a renowned American poet, was born on September 18, 1934, in Canton, Ohio. In 1952, he enrolled at Kent State University but struggled academically, failing English three times, which led to his temporary departure from college. He subsequently worked briefly at a steel mill until a strike interrupted operations. In 1954, Zimmer was drafted into the U.S. Army.
During his military service, Zimmer discovered The Pocket Book of Modern Verse, which sparked his passion for poetry. He devoted his time in the Army to reading extensively and composing poetry. After completing his service, he returned to Kent State University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1968. That same year, he published his first poetry collection, The Ribs of Death.
A lifelong bibliophile, Zimmer gravitated toward work in the book industry. He held managerial roles at several bookstores, including Macy’s Department Store in San Francisco, the San Francisco News Company, the University of California bookstore, and L.A. Bookstore. His dual passions for literature and writing positioned him well for leadership roles in publishing.
Zimmer went on to serve as director of university presses at reputable institutions such as the University of Iowa, the University of Georgia, and the University of Pittsburgh. At Pittsburgh, he co-founded the influential Pitt Poetry Series, which has become a prominent platform for contemporary poets.
| Net Worth 2021: | 300 thousand |
