William Percy Paintings

William Alexander Percy was an American poet, lawyer, and planter from Greenville, Mississippi. Born on May 14, 1885, into a prominent Southern family, he was the son of LeRoy Percy and Camille Vardaman. He was also a cousin of the novelist Walker Percy. William Percy's upbringing was steeped in the traditions of the Southern elite, and he was educated at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and later at Harvard University, where he received his law degree.

After completing his education, Percy practiced law for a short period before turning his attention to writing and managing the family's cotton plantation. His literary works are characterized by their reflection on the culture and landscapes of the South. Percy's poetry, while not as widely recognized as that of some of his contemporaries, captures the complexities of Southern identity and tradition. He published several volumes of poetry, including 'Sappho in Levkas and Other Poems' in 1915 and 'Enzio's Kingdom and Other Poems' in 1924.

Percy served in World War I and his experiences during the war influenced his writing. His memoir, 'Lanterns on the Levee: Recollections of a Planter's Son' (1941), is perhaps his most enduring work, providing an insightful and personal look at the life of the Mississippi Delta aristocracy and commenting on the racial and social changes of the early 20th century.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Percy was involved in civic activities and played a significant role during the 1927 Mississippi River flood, one of the most devastating floods in American history. He organized relief efforts and took in hundreds of refugees at his plantation.

William Percy maintained his bachelor status throughout his life, a point of some public interest and private speculation. He was a mentor to his cousin Walker Percy, who would go on to become a celebrated writer himself. William Percy's influence on literature and Southern culture, as well as his contributions during times of crisis, solidify his place in American history.

William Alexander Percy died on January 21, 1942, in Greenville, Mississippi. His legacy lives on not only through his own literary works but also through the contributions of those he influenced, like his cousin Walker Percy.