Kenneth Fearing’s Inter-War Social Capital Network

Biographers have portrayed Kenneth Fearing as a cynical, reclusive writer defined by political ambiguity and personal struggles. This article challenges that narrative, emphasizing a vibrant social network as the driving force behind his literary identity. Rather than a committed ideologue, Fearing was a well-liked figure whose friendship was sought after by a wide range of individuals. Connections to leftist literary social circles opened doors for publication, yet creative expression remained the central focus more than political engagement. This study presents a more nuanced, dynamic image by reconstructing his social capital network. Far from an isolated pessimist, Fearing was an engaged, connected writer embedded in New York’s modernist scene.