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Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World

Season 40 Episode 5

Celebrate the life and career of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Mary Oliver. Shaped by a solitary childhood and rising literary fame, Oliver published more than 30 collections of poetry and essays on nature, beauty, and love.

Aired: 08/24/26
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
Celebrate the life and career of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver.
Explore the life and legacy of notable Black scholar and civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois.
Trumpeter Lani B. Supreme carries forward a musical legacy that transcends generations.
Musician Hannah Mayree organizes workshops and performances celebrating the banjo's Black history.
Actor John Goodman talks about his work on the film, "The Big Lebowski."
Follow Sudanese musician and ethnomusicologist Alsarah as she leads Alsarah and the Nubatones.
Follow the meteoric rise of firebrand politician and activist Bella Abzug.
In 1975, Bella Abzug went on the "Dinah!" show and questioned what was missing in our democracy.
While in Congress, Bella Abzug elevated feminist causes, including women's financial independence.
Actress Lily Tomlin talks about campaigning for Bella Abzug and how she was inspired to fight.

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