Phyllis McGinley

Phyllis McGinley (1905–1978) was an American poet and essayist celebrated for her witty, polished light verse. Born in Oregon, she later lived in New York City, where much of her writing engaged with contemporary domestic and urban life. McGinley published widely in magazines and produced numerous poetry collections and essays that combined formal craft with humor and social observation. In 1961 she won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, recognizing her distinctive voice and technical skill. Her work helped broaden the audience for poetry in mid‑20th‑century America, showing that rhyme, meter, and everyday subjects could be both sophisticated and entertaining.