Pure Act: The Uncommon Life of Robert Lax

Drawing on his friendship with poet Robert Lax (1915%E2%80%932000) and his close readings of Lax's writings, McGregor eloquently offers the definitive biography of a too often forgotten figure who influenced a number of writers and crafted spirituality out of his deep commitment to love, poverty, and justice. McGregor deftly and briefly chronicles Lax's childhood in Olean, N.Y. His family eventually moved to New York City, but not before the circus came to Olean and mesmerized the young Lax%E2%80%94with its performers who are "portals to the land of dusk"%E2%80%94so deeply that he traveled with a circus through western Canada in 1949 and wrote a cycle of poems that grew out of his experience and love. By the fall of 1943, Lax had converted from Judaism to Catholicism, inspired by his readings of Thomas Aquinas's writings and by his ongoing discussions with Thomas Merton, whom Lax had met at Columbia University. Following his conversion, Lax embraced a life of poverty, combining his lack of desire for things with a passion for nurturing a love for those on the fringes of society. This detailed biography from a friend of subject is best for those already interested in Lax's mission. The book effectively brings to life Lax's "pure act"%E2%80%94naturally living out his God-given abilities without becoming mired in judging others. (Sept.)