William Wordsworth
Famous as Poet
Born on 07 April 1770
Born in Cumberland, England
Died on 23 April 1850
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements Lyrical Ballads, The prelude
William Wordsworth was one of the greatest English poets who, along with other poet and friend Samuel Coleridge, ushered into the English Romantic faction with the publication of their joint work Lyrical Ballads in 1798. Wordsworth is mainly known for his autobiographical poem the prelude, initially known as To Coleridge- which he expanded many times in his later life, and the work was published posthumously. He also wrote a number of other poems including The Lucy poems and Poems in Two Volumes that came in year 1807. His creations helped launch the Romantic era in English literature and took it at the peak of the art for which he was awarded a civil list pension from the government in his later life. He was also appointed the Poet Laureate of England in 1843. The great bard died on 23 April 1850.
Childhood & Early Life
William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 in Cumberland, a place in the Lake District of England. He was second of the five children of his father John Wordsworth- who was a legal representative of James Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale and mother Ann Cookson. Throughout his life, William remained close to his sister Dorothy, who was one year older to him and shared the same passion for nature and poem. His other siblings were Richard, John and Christopher who became lawyer, poet and a researcher respectively. William Wordsworth lost his mother in 1778 at the age of eight and five years later in 1783, he lost his father.
After his mother died, William was sent to Hawkshead grammar School for his primary education though he had attended few low quality schools in Cocker mouth, where he learned little apart from Bible. At Hawkshead, he met Mary Hutchinson, who would later become his wife. Wordsworth wrote his first sonnet in 1787, which was published in the European Magazine and in the same year, he enrolled in St. John’s College in Cambridge. He was awarded a B.A. degree in 1791, after which he returned to Hawkshead.
Relationship with Annette Vallon
In 1791, Wordsworth visited France, which was engaged in the Revolutionary war with Britain at that time. During his stay there, he fell in love with a French woman Annette Vallon and the next year in 1792, their daughter Caroline was born. Due to the ongoing war between the two countries Wordsworth returned alone to England the next year, and the two could not see each other for the next ten years. Longing to see both child and the mother, William became traumatized and remained so until 1802, when he and his sister Dorothy visited France to see them. There are strong suggestions that William did not marry Annette though he continued to support both child and mother in the best possibly way for the rest of his life.
Evolution as a Poet
In 1793, Wordsworth’s first poetry collection was published. Though he had made his debut as a poet and gained a remarkable success, his financial condition remained meager. In 1795, he received a legacy of $ 900 from Raisley Calvert which came as an aid to his hard pressed finance. In the same year, he met another poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge and the two developed a life-long friendship and together they published Lyrical Ballads- a collection of romantic poems- in 1798. The collection-which had an equal contribution of Wordsworth and Coleridge- met with a remarkable success.
The second edition was published in 1800 with William Wordsworth as its author which inflamed much argument in its third edition in 1802. Fourth and final edition of Lyrical Ballads came in 1805. After that William started working on an autobiographical piece that later became known as The Prelude. At that time, he was living in Germany with his sister Dorothy, where he wrote a number of poems including his famous one The Lucy Poems. His most of the works during that period revolved around death, endurance, separation, abandonment and grief which were his own life’s reflection.
Marriage & Children
William Wordsworth married a fellow student and friend Mary Hutchinson in 1802 and the couple had five children. Their first child John Wordsworth was born in 1803 followed by his sister Dora Wordsworth who arrived in 1804. Their third child Thomas Wordsworth was born in 1806 and was followed by Catherine Wordsworth in 1808. Their fifth and last child, who shared the same name with his father, was born in 1810.
Later Life & Work
In his later life, Wordsworth began working on his philosophical poems, which he intended to publish in three parts. Meanwhile, he had started working on his autobiographical poem which was known as poem to Coleridge, though it was published posthumously with the name The Prelude. In 1807, his Poems in Two Volumes was published which gave him further recognition from people. In 1813, Wordsworth was appointed as Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland offering an income of $400 per year. The offer made him financially secure and he moved with his family to Royal Mount in Ambleside in the same year where he lived for the rest of his life.
Honors & Death
In 1838, Wordsworth was awarded an honorary Doctor of Civil Law Degree from Durham University and he received the same honor from Oxford University in 1839. In 1842, he was awarded a civil list pension from the government which ensured an income of $300 per year. Wordsworth’s best reward came in 1843, when he was made the Poet Laureate of England.
William Wordsworth died on 23 April 1850 and was buried at St. Oswald’s church in Grasmere. His Poem to Coleridge was published posthumously as The Prelude which is recognized as his one of his best works.
Timeline:
1770- William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770.
1778- William Wordsworth lost his mother in 1778.
1783- His father John Wordsworth died.
1787- Wordsworth wrote his first sonnet in 1787.
1791- He was awarded a B.A. degree in 1791.
1791- Wordsworth visited France where he met Annette.
1792- Their daughter Caroline was born.
1793- Wordsworth’s first poetry collection was published.
1795- He received a legacy of $ 900 from Raisley Calvert.
1798- Lyrical Ballads was published in 1798.
1800- The second edition was published in 1800 with William Wordsworth as its author.
1802- Third edition was published.
1802- William Wordsworth married Mary Hutchinson in 1802.
1803- Their first child John Wordsworth was born in 1803.
Friday, March 4, 2011
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
Famous as Greatest Writer
Born on 26 April 1564
Born in Stratford, United Kingdom
Died on 23 April 1616
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements A Lover's Complaint, Romeo and Juliet, and Love Labor's Lost
William Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest writer and poet ever known in the English language who authored world's greatest poems, drama and sonnets. The bard, who remains an icon in the literary world, wrote over 38 plays, 154 sonnets and several poems and most of his works are still performed all over the world. Having started with comedies and histories, Shakespeare earned name for raising the genres to the heights of creativity and classiness. His major works are considered to be the culmination of art of tragedy, romance and comedy in his era and is still emulated by the writers that came after him. In his later career Shakespeare wrote poems which set the best mixture of love, passion, procreation, romance, time and death. His greatness lies in the fact that several plays and poems written by him, along with his other works are widely performed and translated into almost every existing language till date.
Childhood & Education
The exact birth date of William Shakespeare remains mystified due to the lack of proper documentation. But there are few records that reveal that the great bard Shakespeare was baptized on 26 April 1564. This leads many scholars to suppose that he was born on 23 April 1564-the date he died on in 1616-as it was required then that the child be baptized on the nearest Sunday. His father John Shakespeare was a successful apprentice Glover and tanner of leathers, while his mother Mary Arden was the daughter of a wealthy landowning farmer. Shakespeare was the third of their children and the first son to survive into adulthood. Their most of the other children succumbed to the plague. John Shakespeare and Mary Arden died in 1601 and 1608 respectively.
It is believed that Shakespeare began his education at the age of six and he attended the Stratford grammar school which later became known as the King’s New School of Stratford-upon-Avon. Like all Elizabeth grammar schools at that time, Latin was the primary language of learning, and Latin authors remained the focus of his literary training. However, whatever little English he learned there, he acquired the full grasp of it. It is further concluded that Shakespeare was confiscated from the school at age 13-14 due to his father’s financial and social condition, but he resumed his studies somewhere else.
Marriage & Children
Shakespeare, still a minor, married a pregnant orphan Anne Hathaway, who was 26 years old at the time of marriage. Their marriage certificate was issued on 27 November 1582. The genuineness of his marriage to Anne is as controversial and disputed as other matters connected to his life, as many biographers believe that there were two women in his life with the same name ‘Anne’. Whatever the case was- Anne gave birth to daughter Susanna after six months, who was baptized on 26 May 1583. Their twins, son Hamnet and daughter Judith followed in 1585 and were baptized on 2 February 1585. A tragedy befell the family in 1596, when their son Hamnet died of unknown cause at the age of 11. The sorrow felt by Shakespeare, who had moved to London by then, was profound and unimaginable and he deeply mourned over the death of his beloved son in his incoming poetry and plays.
Career in London
There are two time periods in his life, popularly known as the “lost years” - 1578-82 and 1585-92. The only fact known about the first major span of time is his marriage to Anne, while the latter covers the seven years of his hard work and research for perfecting his writing skills. Though no one for certain knows when Shakespeare began writing, allusions and documents show that it was somewhere between 1585 and 1592. And by 1592, he had become popular enough to be criticized and attacked by some of the great playwrights of that era: Robert Greene was the first. With the success of several plays such as Henry VI, The Comedy of Errors and Titus Andronicus, Shakespeare had become a known face and had been ranked as the most popular playwright of that era.
His success brought him a fortune and as a wealthy man, Shakespeare bought one of the most expensive houses in Stratford in 1597. In those years, Shakespeare’s plays were performed only by the Lord Chamberlin’s Men, a group of players including him. During this period, he wrote many plays, which include Romeo and Juliet, Richard II, King John and Love’s Labour’s Lost. After the death of Queen Elizabeth in 1603, the company became known as the King’s Men. The group built their own theatre, ‘Globe’ on the bank of river ‘Thames’ in 1599 and purchased another theatre Blackfriars indoor theatre in 1608.
Later Days & Death
By 1598, Shakespeare’s charisma had reached its peak and only came to a fall around 1605, when his career was near its end. By then Shakespeare had authored the plays and poetries that made him a legend to be revered down the ages. After 1606, Shakespeare wrote very few plays and many of them came in collaborations with another King’s Men member. In 1613, Shakespeare took over a gatehouse in the Blackfriars priory and in 1614 he moved to London where he stayed for several weeks with his son-in-law John Hall.
Shakespeare died on 23 April, 1616 and was buried in the chancel of the Holy Trinity Church two days after his death. He was survived by his wife and two of his daughters Susanna, who had married John Hall in 1607 and Judith, who had married Thomas Quiney, two months before his death.
Notable Works
Shakespeare’s major writing consist poems, sonnets and plays representing a rainbow of human emotions and nature. Tragic and tragicomedies remained the centre of this writing throughout career and proved to be dominant factor in his success. His famous tragic play Romeo and Juliet in 1599, which ended with the fateful end of Julius Caesar, was a legendry success and remains so till this day. Othello, another masterpiece in this league, has been translated into several languages and has been adopted into movies. He later moved on to tragicomedies and romances and authored poems such as A Lover’s Complaint and The Phoenix and the Turtle which reflect the finest example of love, sexual passion, procreation, romance, time and death.
Timeline:
1564- Shakespeare was baptized on 26 April.
1582- Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway.
1601- John Shakespeare died.
1608- Shakespeare’s mother Mary Arden died in.
1583- Shakespeare’ wife Anne gave birth to Susanna
1585- Their twins, son Hamnet and daughter Judith were born.
1597- Shakespeare bought one of the most expensive houses in Stratford.
1599- The group of players built their own theatre, ‘Globe’.
1603- Queen Elizabeth died.
1607- Susanna married John Hall.
1608- Shakespeare & group purchased another theatre Blackfriars indoor theatre.
1613- Shakespeare took over a gatehouse in the Blackfriars priory.
1616- His daughter Judith married Thomas Quiney.
1616- Shakespeare died on 23 April.
Famous as Greatest Writer
Born on 26 April 1564
Born in Stratford, United Kingdom
Died on 23 April 1616
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements A Lover's Complaint, Romeo and Juliet, and Love Labor's Lost
William Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest writer and poet ever known in the English language who authored world's greatest poems, drama and sonnets. The bard, who remains an icon in the literary world, wrote over 38 plays, 154 sonnets and several poems and most of his works are still performed all over the world. Having started with comedies and histories, Shakespeare earned name for raising the genres to the heights of creativity and classiness. His major works are considered to be the culmination of art of tragedy, romance and comedy in his era and is still emulated by the writers that came after him. In his later career Shakespeare wrote poems which set the best mixture of love, passion, procreation, romance, time and death. His greatness lies in the fact that several plays and poems written by him, along with his other works are widely performed and translated into almost every existing language till date.
Childhood & Education
The exact birth date of William Shakespeare remains mystified due to the lack of proper documentation. But there are few records that reveal that the great bard Shakespeare was baptized on 26 April 1564. This leads many scholars to suppose that he was born on 23 April 1564-the date he died on in 1616-as it was required then that the child be baptized on the nearest Sunday. His father John Shakespeare was a successful apprentice Glover and tanner of leathers, while his mother Mary Arden was the daughter of a wealthy landowning farmer. Shakespeare was the third of their children and the first son to survive into adulthood. Their most of the other children succumbed to the plague. John Shakespeare and Mary Arden died in 1601 and 1608 respectively.
It is believed that Shakespeare began his education at the age of six and he attended the Stratford grammar school which later became known as the King’s New School of Stratford-upon-Avon. Like all Elizabeth grammar schools at that time, Latin was the primary language of learning, and Latin authors remained the focus of his literary training. However, whatever little English he learned there, he acquired the full grasp of it. It is further concluded that Shakespeare was confiscated from the school at age 13-14 due to his father’s financial and social condition, but he resumed his studies somewhere else.
Marriage & Children
Shakespeare, still a minor, married a pregnant orphan Anne Hathaway, who was 26 years old at the time of marriage. Their marriage certificate was issued on 27 November 1582. The genuineness of his marriage to Anne is as controversial and disputed as other matters connected to his life, as many biographers believe that there were two women in his life with the same name ‘Anne’. Whatever the case was- Anne gave birth to daughter Susanna after six months, who was baptized on 26 May 1583. Their twins, son Hamnet and daughter Judith followed in 1585 and were baptized on 2 February 1585. A tragedy befell the family in 1596, when their son Hamnet died of unknown cause at the age of 11. The sorrow felt by Shakespeare, who had moved to London by then, was profound and unimaginable and he deeply mourned over the death of his beloved son in his incoming poetry and plays.
Career in London
There are two time periods in his life, popularly known as the “lost years” - 1578-82 and 1585-92. The only fact known about the first major span of time is his marriage to Anne, while the latter covers the seven years of his hard work and research for perfecting his writing skills. Though no one for certain knows when Shakespeare began writing, allusions and documents show that it was somewhere between 1585 and 1592. And by 1592, he had become popular enough to be criticized and attacked by some of the great playwrights of that era: Robert Greene was the first. With the success of several plays such as Henry VI, The Comedy of Errors and Titus Andronicus, Shakespeare had become a known face and had been ranked as the most popular playwright of that era.
His success brought him a fortune and as a wealthy man, Shakespeare bought one of the most expensive houses in Stratford in 1597. In those years, Shakespeare’s plays were performed only by the Lord Chamberlin’s Men, a group of players including him. During this period, he wrote many plays, which include Romeo and Juliet, Richard II, King John and Love’s Labour’s Lost. After the death of Queen Elizabeth in 1603, the company became known as the King’s Men. The group built their own theatre, ‘Globe’ on the bank of river ‘Thames’ in 1599 and purchased another theatre Blackfriars indoor theatre in 1608.
Later Days & Death
By 1598, Shakespeare’s charisma had reached its peak and only came to a fall around 1605, when his career was near its end. By then Shakespeare had authored the plays and poetries that made him a legend to be revered down the ages. After 1606, Shakespeare wrote very few plays and many of them came in collaborations with another King’s Men member. In 1613, Shakespeare took over a gatehouse in the Blackfriars priory and in 1614 he moved to London where he stayed for several weeks with his son-in-law John Hall.
Shakespeare died on 23 April, 1616 and was buried in the chancel of the Holy Trinity Church two days after his death. He was survived by his wife and two of his daughters Susanna, who had married John Hall in 1607 and Judith, who had married Thomas Quiney, two months before his death.
Notable Works
Shakespeare’s major writing consist poems, sonnets and plays representing a rainbow of human emotions and nature. Tragic and tragicomedies remained the centre of this writing throughout career and proved to be dominant factor in his success. His famous tragic play Romeo and Juliet in 1599, which ended with the fateful end of Julius Caesar, was a legendry success and remains so till this day. Othello, another masterpiece in this league, has been translated into several languages and has been adopted into movies. He later moved on to tragicomedies and romances and authored poems such as A Lover’s Complaint and The Phoenix and the Turtle which reflect the finest example of love, sexual passion, procreation, romance, time and death.
Timeline:
1564- Shakespeare was baptized on 26 April.
1582- Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway.
1601- John Shakespeare died.
1608- Shakespeare’s mother Mary Arden died in.
1583- Shakespeare’ wife Anne gave birth to Susanna
1585- Their twins, son Hamnet and daughter Judith were born.
1597- Shakespeare bought one of the most expensive houses in Stratford.
1599- The group of players built their own theatre, ‘Globe’.
1603- Queen Elizabeth died.
1607- Susanna married John Hall.
1608- Shakespeare & group purchased another theatre Blackfriars indoor theatre.
1613- Shakespeare took over a gatehouse in the Blackfriars priory.
1616- His daughter Judith married Thomas Quiney.
1616- Shakespeare died on 23 April.
Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman
Famous as Poet & humanist
Born on 31 May 1819
Born in Long Island, New York
Died on 26 March 1892
Nationality United States
Works & Achievements Leaves of Grass
Walter Whitman was an American poet, journalist and humanist. The poet is mainly known for his approach to Transcendentalism and realism and mastery in free verses, which would mirror in his works. Among his most famous works, is his poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was also his first significant work as a poet. The collection was first published in 1855 and since then, he kept it revising and expanding until his death. The poetry was initially labeled and banned for its obscenity though it later gained popularity and has been translated into a number of foreign languages. Whitman was also a teacher and a government clerk before taking on writing and worked as a nurse during the American Civil War. Though he opposed the slavery system in America and wrote poetries moved by their sufferings, he did not participate in the abolitionary movement at any point in his life. The poet died in 1892, at age seventy two.
Childhood & Early Life
Walt Whitman was born on 31 May 1819 in Long Island. New York and was the second of nine children born to his parents Walter and Louisa Van Velsor Whitman. His childhood was not a happy one and was raised amidst a hard pressed finance of his family. They kept on moving from one place to another, which was also due to the bad economic conditions and he took up his first employment of many, as early as at the age of eleven. He was hired as an office boy two lawyers and later as an apprentice. He was then employed by the newspaper The Patriot, where he learned about the printing press and typesetting. His family moved to West Hills leaving him behind, and he continued to work for another printer Alden Spooner, editor of the weekly newspaper the Long-Island Star. By this time, He had begun reading avidly, became a patron of a library and joined various debating societies. He also began writing poetries during this period, which were anonymously published in the New York Mirror.
Early Career
In 1836, Whitman joined the family in Hempstead where he taught at various schools for the next two years. Though he was never happy with the job and finally left it, moving back to New York seeking to set up his newspaper, the Long Islander. After working there for few months, he sold the publication to another publisher and joined the Long Island Democrat, as a typesetter. He once again turned back to teaching and published a series of ten editorials Sun Down Papers-From the Desk of a Schoolmaster. In 1842, he became editor of the Brooklyn Eagle.
Leaves of Grass
Whitman claimed poems to be his first love and regardless of the job he was in, continued to write poetries in his early years which gave him initial success. During 1850's, he embarked upon writing Leaves of Grass, his first work that would bring him his greatest success. The collection was published with his own money in 1855. It was published anonymously and raised much interest with in a short span of time. Critics called the poetry as obscene, profane and harshly criticized it for its sexual theme; however, some praised it for its ingenious use of free verses. Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of them. With Emerson coming for his support, the selling of the book was raised considerably and the second edition of it was published in 1856. Since then, Whitman continued to revise and expand the collection until his death. On 11 July 1855, Whitman's father Walt died at age sixty five. The verses brought him both fame and controversies, though financial success still eluded him and he had to get back to his journalism work. In 1857, he joined the Brooklyn's Daily Times, where he contributed as its editor and writer until 1859.
American Civil War & Whitman
With the onset of the American Civil War, Whitman's wrote his poem Beat! Beat! Drums, that appeared as a call for the country. Whitman's brother George's involvement in the war as a soldier worried him as the news of mass killings kept coming in and he rushed to south to find him. In his way to south, Whitman witnessed and had a close experience of the pain and sufferings of the soldiers. Though luckily he found his brother well and alive, the violence and killing of the war had moved him so much that he decided to leave New York for good and left for Washington in 1862. In Washington, Whitman took up a part time job in the army paymaster's office and became a nurse to those injured in the war. He would recall the experience in The Great Army of the Sick, published in 1863.
In 1864, Whitman's brother George was taken into custody by the Confederates in Virginia and another brother Andrew Jackson succumbed to death from Tuberculosis. After a difficult end of the 1964, Whitman succeeded in receiving a government job in the Bureau of the Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior in 1865, though he was fired as soon as his identity as the author of the blasphemous book Leaves of Grass was found by the secretary. In 1865, George was released and granted a pardon because of his failing health. O'Connor, a friend of him, went enraged at the news of his firing from the job and published a biographical study of Whitman called The Good Gray Poet in 1866. Whitman's reputation was further restored with the release of his poem O Captain! My Captain!, a poem to Abraham Lincoln. In 1868, Poems of Walt Whitman was published in England.
Writing Style & Theme
Whitman as a poet used symbolic style in his poetry and his works seemingly were fascinated with the subject of death and sexuality. Abandoning the conventional prose-like poetic form, he exuded his mastery in the free verses for which he is called as the father of free verses. His works are considered as a mirror to his country America, as he accentuated the connection between a poet and its country. His works are also influenced and draw heavily upon his believe in deism.
Later Years & Death
As early as in 1873, Whitman suffered from a paralytic stroke. His mother, whom he had been unusually close, passed away in the same year. Depressed and broken, Whitman moved to New Jersey to be with his brother George and lived there until he found a home in 1884. Meanwhile, Whitman released more editions of Leaves of Grass, publishing in 1876, 1881 and 1889. He produced a further edition of the book, which was to be its last, in 1891. During this period, he became obsessed with the frequent thoughts of death, and often wrote of his pain and suffering his notebook. He also bought a mausoleum shaped house in his last days. Walt Whitman died on 26 March 1892 of bronchial pneumonia. A grand funeral was held and his body was buried in his tomb at Harleigh Cemetry, where remain of his parents and brothers were moved with him.
Timeline:
1819- Walt Whitman was born on 31 May.
1842- He became editor of the Brooklyn Eagle.
1855- First edition of Leaves of Grass was published in 1855.
1855- Whitman's father Walt died.
1856- The second edition of it was published.
1857- He joined the Brooklyn's Daily Times.
1962- He left New York for good and moved to Washington.
1863- The Great Army of the Sick was published.
1864- Whitman's brother George was taken into custody by the Confederates in Virginia.
1865- Whitman received a government job in the Bureau of the Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior.
1865- George was released.
1866- O'Connor published a biographical study of Whitman called The Good Gray Poet.
1868- Poems of Walt Whitman was published in England.
1873- Whitman suffered from a paralytic stroke.
1873- His mother passed away.
1891- He produced the last edition of Leaves of Grass.
1892- Walt Whitman died on 26 March.
Famous as Poet & humanist
Born on 31 May 1819
Born in Long Island, New York
Died on 26 March 1892
Nationality United States
Works & Achievements Leaves of Grass
Walter Whitman was an American poet, journalist and humanist. The poet is mainly known for his approach to Transcendentalism and realism and mastery in free verses, which would mirror in his works. Among his most famous works, is his poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was also his first significant work as a poet. The collection was first published in 1855 and since then, he kept it revising and expanding until his death. The poetry was initially labeled and banned for its obscenity though it later gained popularity and has been translated into a number of foreign languages. Whitman was also a teacher and a government clerk before taking on writing and worked as a nurse during the American Civil War. Though he opposed the slavery system in America and wrote poetries moved by their sufferings, he did not participate in the abolitionary movement at any point in his life. The poet died in 1892, at age seventy two.
Childhood & Early Life
Walt Whitman was born on 31 May 1819 in Long Island. New York and was the second of nine children born to his parents Walter and Louisa Van Velsor Whitman. His childhood was not a happy one and was raised amidst a hard pressed finance of his family. They kept on moving from one place to another, which was also due to the bad economic conditions and he took up his first employment of many, as early as at the age of eleven. He was hired as an office boy two lawyers and later as an apprentice. He was then employed by the newspaper The Patriot, where he learned about the printing press and typesetting. His family moved to West Hills leaving him behind, and he continued to work for another printer Alden Spooner, editor of the weekly newspaper the Long-Island Star. By this time, He had begun reading avidly, became a patron of a library and joined various debating societies. He also began writing poetries during this period, which were anonymously published in the New York Mirror.
Early Career
In 1836, Whitman joined the family in Hempstead where he taught at various schools for the next two years. Though he was never happy with the job and finally left it, moving back to New York seeking to set up his newspaper, the Long Islander. After working there for few months, he sold the publication to another publisher and joined the Long Island Democrat, as a typesetter. He once again turned back to teaching and published a series of ten editorials Sun Down Papers-From the Desk of a Schoolmaster. In 1842, he became editor of the Brooklyn Eagle.
Leaves of Grass
Whitman claimed poems to be his first love and regardless of the job he was in, continued to write poetries in his early years which gave him initial success. During 1850's, he embarked upon writing Leaves of Grass, his first work that would bring him his greatest success. The collection was published with his own money in 1855. It was published anonymously and raised much interest with in a short span of time. Critics called the poetry as obscene, profane and harshly criticized it for its sexual theme; however, some praised it for its ingenious use of free verses. Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of them. With Emerson coming for his support, the selling of the book was raised considerably and the second edition of it was published in 1856. Since then, Whitman continued to revise and expand the collection until his death. On 11 July 1855, Whitman's father Walt died at age sixty five. The verses brought him both fame and controversies, though financial success still eluded him and he had to get back to his journalism work. In 1857, he joined the Brooklyn's Daily Times, where he contributed as its editor and writer until 1859.
American Civil War & Whitman
With the onset of the American Civil War, Whitman's wrote his poem Beat! Beat! Drums, that appeared as a call for the country. Whitman's brother George's involvement in the war as a soldier worried him as the news of mass killings kept coming in and he rushed to south to find him. In his way to south, Whitman witnessed and had a close experience of the pain and sufferings of the soldiers. Though luckily he found his brother well and alive, the violence and killing of the war had moved him so much that he decided to leave New York for good and left for Washington in 1862. In Washington, Whitman took up a part time job in the army paymaster's office and became a nurse to those injured in the war. He would recall the experience in The Great Army of the Sick, published in 1863.
In 1864, Whitman's brother George was taken into custody by the Confederates in Virginia and another brother Andrew Jackson succumbed to death from Tuberculosis. After a difficult end of the 1964, Whitman succeeded in receiving a government job in the Bureau of the Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior in 1865, though he was fired as soon as his identity as the author of the blasphemous book Leaves of Grass was found by the secretary. In 1865, George was released and granted a pardon because of his failing health. O'Connor, a friend of him, went enraged at the news of his firing from the job and published a biographical study of Whitman called The Good Gray Poet in 1866. Whitman's reputation was further restored with the release of his poem O Captain! My Captain!, a poem to Abraham Lincoln. In 1868, Poems of Walt Whitman was published in England.
Writing Style & Theme
Whitman as a poet used symbolic style in his poetry and his works seemingly were fascinated with the subject of death and sexuality. Abandoning the conventional prose-like poetic form, he exuded his mastery in the free verses for which he is called as the father of free verses. His works are considered as a mirror to his country America, as he accentuated the connection between a poet and its country. His works are also influenced and draw heavily upon his believe in deism.
Later Years & Death
As early as in 1873, Whitman suffered from a paralytic stroke. His mother, whom he had been unusually close, passed away in the same year. Depressed and broken, Whitman moved to New Jersey to be with his brother George and lived there until he found a home in 1884. Meanwhile, Whitman released more editions of Leaves of Grass, publishing in 1876, 1881 and 1889. He produced a further edition of the book, which was to be its last, in 1891. During this period, he became obsessed with the frequent thoughts of death, and often wrote of his pain and suffering his notebook. He also bought a mausoleum shaped house in his last days. Walt Whitman died on 26 March 1892 of bronchial pneumonia. A grand funeral was held and his body was buried in his tomb at Harleigh Cemetry, where remain of his parents and brothers were moved with him.
Timeline:
1819- Walt Whitman was born on 31 May.
1842- He became editor of the Brooklyn Eagle.
1855- First edition of Leaves of Grass was published in 1855.
1855- Whitman's father Walt died.
1856- The second edition of it was published.
1857- He joined the Brooklyn's Daily Times.
1962- He left New York for good and moved to Washington.
1863- The Great Army of the Sick was published.
1864- Whitman's brother George was taken into custody by the Confederates in Virginia.
1865- Whitman received a government job in the Bureau of the Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior.
1865- George was released.
1866- O'Connor published a biographical study of Whitman called The Good Gray Poet.
1868- Poems of Walt Whitman was published in England.
1873- Whitman suffered from a paralytic stroke.
1873- His mother passed away.
1891- He produced the last edition of Leaves of Grass.
1892- Walt Whitman died on 26 March.
W B Yeats
W B Yeats
Famous as Poet & Dramatist
Born on 18 June 1865
Born in Dublin, Ireland
Died on 28 January 1939
Nationality Ireland
William Butler Yeats was a famous Irish poet, dramatist and one of the pioneers of the literary world in 20th century. The author was also a member of the Irish Senate and served it for two terms. His contribution to the English literature is as high as that to his native the Irish literature, where he is remembered for his role in reviving the literature. He was a co-founder of the famous Abbey theatre and stepping in as its chief. Among his most famous works are The Tower (1928), The Winding Stair and Other Poems and The Winding Stair and Other Poems (1929). In 1923, Yeats was awarded the honorary Nobel Prize in literature making him the first Irishman to be honored with the award. A master of the traditional verses, the author died on 28 January 1839, at the age of seventy three.
Childhood & Education
William Butler Yeats was born on 18 June 1865 in County Dublin, Ireland to John Butler Yeats, a Williamite soldier and linen merchant and Susan Mary Pollexfen, daughter of a wealthy family from county Sligo. His father was a supporter of nationalism and the nationalist movement in the country. Initially wanted to be lawyer, John Butler was studying law at the time of his marriage but abandoned the study and moved to England in 1876, where he earned fame as a great painter and died in 1922. William Butler's siblings, his brother Jack absorbed his father's artistic talents, becoming one of the most regarded painter and his two sisters Elizabeth and Susan became members of Arts and crafts movement.
William's upbringing in his highly aristocratic family was sure to have an impact on his life and poetry. Yeats' early years are marked by events like rise of the Home rule movement and the momentum of nationalism and a power shift away from the Protestant minority. These events had a deep impact on the young Yeats' mind and would reflect in his literary work. On 26 January 1877, William Yeats was sent to the Godolphin primary school where he studied for the next four years. All along his schooling, Yeast showed a particular interest in zoology and biology but failed to achieve anything of distinction. The most astonishing part of his education remains the fact that he did remarkably poor in mathematics and languages as a student.
In 1881, Yeats enrolled into Erasmus Smith High School, Dublin and wrote his first poem and essay The Poetry of Samuel Ferguson in 1885. The poem was first published in the Dublin University Review. In 1884, William Yeats joined the Metropolitan School of Art (the National College of Art and Design), studying art till 1886. During this period, he wrote his first individual piece, a poem depicting a magician. Since then he started writing poems on various themes and plays. His initial works were deeply influenced with the creations of great poet P.B. Shelly, and later shifted towards pre-Raphaelite verse and Irish myth and traditions. In his maturing years, Yeats came to appreciate the writing of William Blake.
Early career & Life
In 1887, Yeats and his family returned to London where he established the Rymer's Club, a group of poets in 1890. The group, later known as the "Tragic generation" released two anthologies in 1892 and 1894. Yeats' remarkable interest in mysticism, spiritualism, astrology and occultism drew criticism from his contemporaries who termed it as a lack of intellectuality. His first serious work, The Isle of Statutes, was a fantasy poem and was published in Dublin University Review. In 1886, he published a pamphlet Mosada: A Dramatic Poem followed by another collection The Wanderings of Orisin and Other Poems, published in 1889.
The Wanderings of Orisin was his first and probably the most extensive work, as he never attempted another. The poem was largely based upon the struggle of life, a theme that would frequently appear in his future works. During this period, he also wrote Poems (1895), The Secret Rose (1897) and The Wind Among the Reeds (1899). In 1885, Yeats became a co founder of the Dublin Hermetic Order and as a result, was made its chairman. At that time, he was also involved in the Theosophical Society and with Hermeticism.
Maud Gonne
In 1889, Yeats met Maud Gonne, a poet, feminist and a fervent nationalist. Yeats became increasingly passionate about her who became his muse and source of unrequited love. He proposed marriage to her at least three times; in 1899, 1900 and 1901 and was rejected each time which was probably a result of his lack of enthusiasm to contribute in the revolutionary movement. In 1903, Maud married a nationalist revolutionary Major MacBride, who was later executed by British forces. Even though, they continued their friendship and Maud remained his inspiration and an immense impact on his life. In 1908, their relationship was finally consummated as he recalls the event in his poem A Man Young and Old. However, it did not help the relationship flourish beyond friendship and she finally turned down his last proposal in 1916.
Marriage & Family
On 20 October 1917, Yeats married a friend George Hyde Lees whom he had met in 1911 at the age of 51. She shared Yeats’ interest in mystical and esoteric subjects and helped him with the automatic writing. Despite a huge age difference the marriage proved happy and the couple had two children; daughter Anne, born in 1919 and son Michael, born in 1921. Yeats wrote two poems "A Prayer for My Daughter" and "A Prayer for My Son" for them. George proved to be good wife and helped him with his creations; among them is A Vision, a book elucidating his philosophy and use of symbolism which was published in 1921.
Abbey theatre and Later Work
In 1899, Yeats co founded the Irish Literary Theatre in Dublin which was to be a platform for the Celtic and Irish plays. As its chief dramatist, one of the first plays performed there was his Catheleen ni Houlihan, with Gonne portraying the main character. The theatre, which was also known as the National Theatre of Ireland, opened in 1904, and soon became the flagship for the young talent of Ireland. His other works which gained him praise as a dramatist include The Countess Cathleen (1892), The Land of Heart’s Desire (1894) and The King’s Threshold (1904). In 1911, the Abbey Theatre set on a tour to the United States. In 1903, Yeats embarked on his first lecture tour to the United States followed by his second, third and fourth trip in 1914, 1920 and 1932 respectively. In 1904, Yeats founded the Cuala Press with the help of his sister.
Nobel Prize, Later Years & Death
In 1923, Yeats was honored the Nobel Peace Prize for his immense contribution to the English and Irish literature. In 1922, he was appointed to the first Irish Senate and was consecutively reelected for the second term in 1925. In the same year his book A Vision was published. In 1924, a coinage committee appointed him as its chairman for the selection of the first currency of Irish Free State and took retirement from the senate in 1928. Yeats was a fervent supporter of republicanism for all his life, but towards the end of his life, he became cynical about the effectiveness of a democratic form of government. At times, he also showed praise for the dictator Benito Mussolini, though he refrained from fascism in his later years.
Yeats underwent a Steinach operation in 1934 and despite his severe illness, took the editorship of the Oxford Book of Modern Verses in 1936. He passed away on 28 January 1939 in Menton, France and was buried at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Keeping with his wishes, he was removed from there and was reentered in Drumcliffe, County Sligo in 1948.
Timeline:
1865- William Butler Yeats was born on 18 June.
1876- His family moved to England.
1877- William Yeats was sent to the Godolphin primary school.
1881- Yeats enrolled into Erasmus Smith High School.
1884- William Yeats joined the Metropolitan School of Art.
1885- He wrote his first poem and essay The Poetry of Samuel Ferguson.
1887- Yeats and his family returned to London.
1889- Yeats met Maud Gonne.
1890- He established the Rymer's Club, a group of poets.
1899- Yeats co founded the Irish Literary Theatre in Dublin.
1904- The theatre opened.
1904- Yeats founded the Cuala Press with the help of his sister.
1911- The Abbey Theatre set on a tour to the United States.
1917- Yeats married George Hyde Lees.
1919- His daughter Anne was born.
1921- Their son Michael was born.
1922- His father died.
1922- he was appointed to the first Irish Senate.
1925- He was reelected to the Senate.
1923- Yeats was honored the Nobel Peace Prize.
1924- A coinage committee appointed him as its chairman.
1928- Yeats took retirement from the Senate.
1934- Yeats underwent a Steinach operation.
1939- William Yeats passed away on 28 January.
1948- He was removed from there and was reentered in Drumcliffe, County Sligo.
Famous as Poet & Dramatist
Born on 18 June 1865
Born in Dublin, Ireland
Died on 28 January 1939
Nationality Ireland
William Butler Yeats was a famous Irish poet, dramatist and one of the pioneers of the literary world in 20th century. The author was also a member of the Irish Senate and served it for two terms. His contribution to the English literature is as high as that to his native the Irish literature, where he is remembered for his role in reviving the literature. He was a co-founder of the famous Abbey theatre and stepping in as its chief. Among his most famous works are The Tower (1928), The Winding Stair and Other Poems and The Winding Stair and Other Poems (1929). In 1923, Yeats was awarded the honorary Nobel Prize in literature making him the first Irishman to be honored with the award. A master of the traditional verses, the author died on 28 January 1839, at the age of seventy three.
Childhood & Education
William Butler Yeats was born on 18 June 1865 in County Dublin, Ireland to John Butler Yeats, a Williamite soldier and linen merchant and Susan Mary Pollexfen, daughter of a wealthy family from county Sligo. His father was a supporter of nationalism and the nationalist movement in the country. Initially wanted to be lawyer, John Butler was studying law at the time of his marriage but abandoned the study and moved to England in 1876, where he earned fame as a great painter and died in 1922. William Butler's siblings, his brother Jack absorbed his father's artistic talents, becoming one of the most regarded painter and his two sisters Elizabeth and Susan became members of Arts and crafts movement.
William's upbringing in his highly aristocratic family was sure to have an impact on his life and poetry. Yeats' early years are marked by events like rise of the Home rule movement and the momentum of nationalism and a power shift away from the Protestant minority. These events had a deep impact on the young Yeats' mind and would reflect in his literary work. On 26 January 1877, William Yeats was sent to the Godolphin primary school where he studied for the next four years. All along his schooling, Yeast showed a particular interest in zoology and biology but failed to achieve anything of distinction. The most astonishing part of his education remains the fact that he did remarkably poor in mathematics and languages as a student.
In 1881, Yeats enrolled into Erasmus Smith High School, Dublin and wrote his first poem and essay The Poetry of Samuel Ferguson in 1885. The poem was first published in the Dublin University Review. In 1884, William Yeats joined the Metropolitan School of Art (the National College of Art and Design), studying art till 1886. During this period, he wrote his first individual piece, a poem depicting a magician. Since then he started writing poems on various themes and plays. His initial works were deeply influenced with the creations of great poet P.B. Shelly, and later shifted towards pre-Raphaelite verse and Irish myth and traditions. In his maturing years, Yeats came to appreciate the writing of William Blake.
Early career & Life
In 1887, Yeats and his family returned to London where he established the Rymer's Club, a group of poets in 1890. The group, later known as the "Tragic generation" released two anthologies in 1892 and 1894. Yeats' remarkable interest in mysticism, spiritualism, astrology and occultism drew criticism from his contemporaries who termed it as a lack of intellectuality. His first serious work, The Isle of Statutes, was a fantasy poem and was published in Dublin University Review. In 1886, he published a pamphlet Mosada: A Dramatic Poem followed by another collection The Wanderings of Orisin and Other Poems, published in 1889.
The Wanderings of Orisin was his first and probably the most extensive work, as he never attempted another. The poem was largely based upon the struggle of life, a theme that would frequently appear in his future works. During this period, he also wrote Poems (1895), The Secret Rose (1897) and The Wind Among the Reeds (1899). In 1885, Yeats became a co founder of the Dublin Hermetic Order and as a result, was made its chairman. At that time, he was also involved in the Theosophical Society and with Hermeticism.
Maud Gonne
In 1889, Yeats met Maud Gonne, a poet, feminist and a fervent nationalist. Yeats became increasingly passionate about her who became his muse and source of unrequited love. He proposed marriage to her at least three times; in 1899, 1900 and 1901 and was rejected each time which was probably a result of his lack of enthusiasm to contribute in the revolutionary movement. In 1903, Maud married a nationalist revolutionary Major MacBride, who was later executed by British forces. Even though, they continued their friendship and Maud remained his inspiration and an immense impact on his life. In 1908, their relationship was finally consummated as he recalls the event in his poem A Man Young and Old. However, it did not help the relationship flourish beyond friendship and she finally turned down his last proposal in 1916.
Marriage & Family
On 20 October 1917, Yeats married a friend George Hyde Lees whom he had met in 1911 at the age of 51. She shared Yeats’ interest in mystical and esoteric subjects and helped him with the automatic writing. Despite a huge age difference the marriage proved happy and the couple had two children; daughter Anne, born in 1919 and son Michael, born in 1921. Yeats wrote two poems "A Prayer for My Daughter" and "A Prayer for My Son" for them. George proved to be good wife and helped him with his creations; among them is A Vision, a book elucidating his philosophy and use of symbolism which was published in 1921.
Abbey theatre and Later Work
In 1899, Yeats co founded the Irish Literary Theatre in Dublin which was to be a platform for the Celtic and Irish plays. As its chief dramatist, one of the first plays performed there was his Catheleen ni Houlihan, with Gonne portraying the main character. The theatre, which was also known as the National Theatre of Ireland, opened in 1904, and soon became the flagship for the young talent of Ireland. His other works which gained him praise as a dramatist include The Countess Cathleen (1892), The Land of Heart’s Desire (1894) and The King’s Threshold (1904). In 1911, the Abbey Theatre set on a tour to the United States. In 1903, Yeats embarked on his first lecture tour to the United States followed by his second, third and fourth trip in 1914, 1920 and 1932 respectively. In 1904, Yeats founded the Cuala Press with the help of his sister.
Nobel Prize, Later Years & Death
In 1923, Yeats was honored the Nobel Peace Prize for his immense contribution to the English and Irish literature. In 1922, he was appointed to the first Irish Senate and was consecutively reelected for the second term in 1925. In the same year his book A Vision was published. In 1924, a coinage committee appointed him as its chairman for the selection of the first currency of Irish Free State and took retirement from the senate in 1928. Yeats was a fervent supporter of republicanism for all his life, but towards the end of his life, he became cynical about the effectiveness of a democratic form of government. At times, he also showed praise for the dictator Benito Mussolini, though he refrained from fascism in his later years.
Yeats underwent a Steinach operation in 1934 and despite his severe illness, took the editorship of the Oxford Book of Modern Verses in 1936. He passed away on 28 January 1939 in Menton, France and was buried at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Keeping with his wishes, he was removed from there and was reentered in Drumcliffe, County Sligo in 1948.
Timeline:
1865- William Butler Yeats was born on 18 June.
1876- His family moved to England.
1877- William Yeats was sent to the Godolphin primary school.
1881- Yeats enrolled into Erasmus Smith High School.
1884- William Yeats joined the Metropolitan School of Art.
1885- He wrote his first poem and essay The Poetry of Samuel Ferguson.
1887- Yeats and his family returned to London.
1889- Yeats met Maud Gonne.
1890- He established the Rymer's Club, a group of poets.
1899- Yeats co founded the Irish Literary Theatre in Dublin.
1904- The theatre opened.
1904- Yeats founded the Cuala Press with the help of his sister.
1911- The Abbey Theatre set on a tour to the United States.
1917- Yeats married George Hyde Lees.
1919- His daughter Anne was born.
1921- Their son Michael was born.
1922- His father died.
1922- he was appointed to the first Irish Senate.
1925- He was reelected to the Senate.
1923- Yeats was honored the Nobel Peace Prize.
1924- A coinage committee appointed him as its chairman.
1928- Yeats took retirement from the Senate.
1934- Yeats underwent a Steinach operation.
1939- William Yeats passed away on 28 January.
1948- He was removed from there and was reentered in Drumcliffe, County Sligo.
Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo
Famous as Author & Poet
Born on 26 January 1802
Born in Besancon, France
Died on 22 May 1885
Nationality France
Works & Achievements Les Contemplations and Les Legende des siecles
Victor Hugo was a French poet, novelist and playwright and a leading supporter of the Romantic Movement in France. He was also a visual artist, statesman and human rights activist, though his fame primarily lies in his poems and dramas. Among his prodigious output of poems, Les Contemplations and Les Legende des siecles stand high and are regarded as his best works in this genre. His best novels include Les Miserables and Notre-Dame de Paris (in English, The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and Les Travailleurs de la Mer. He is regarded as the leading figure in the history of French literature and politics who did not only contributed to the Romantic Movement in France but also gained international fame for his efforts towards establishing the Third Republican and democracy in the country. The author died on 22 May 1885, at the age of 83.
Childhood & Education
Victor Hugo was born on 26 January 1802 in Besancon, France and was the third and the last son of Joseph Leopold Sigisbert Hugo and Sophie Trebuchet. He had two siblings Abel Joseph Hugo and Eugene Hugo, both elder to him. Hugo, as a child witnessed a great deal of political changes in his country, among them the most significant was the rise of the First French Empire and the dictatorship under Napoleon Bonaparte. His father, Joseph was an atheist republican and an influential officer in the army of Napoleon and a fervent supporter of him while his mother Sophie was a staunch Catholic Royalist. The conflicting political views of his parents mirrored the struggle between two major forces in the country for the attainment of the power and would badly affect their married life. As an officer, Joseph Hugo was on constant trips, moving from one place to another, with his family following him everywhere. Traveling gave Victor ample time and opportunity to learn and instilled in him a fondness for nature and beauty.
However by 1803, his mother had grown tired of the constant traveling and her adulterous husband and decided to stay back in Paris while John Hugo went away to Italy on one of such postings. Thereafter, Sophie became in charge of the education of her son and successfully instilled in her son the faithfulness and loyalty to both King and the Catholic beliefs. Young Hugo adapted the teachings of his mother which is mirrored in his early writings, however later in life he would rebel against Catholic Royalist beliefs and instead become a supporter of Republicanism, like his father.
Early Life & Works
As a youth poet, Hugo was inspired by François-René de Chateaubriand, the leading figure in the Romantic Movement in literature and resolved to follow him in his fame. Chateaubriand was also a fervent supporter of republicanism who was given exile because of his bold political views and Hugo would also share the fate of his hero in his later years.
Hugo's first volume of poetry entitled as Nouvelles Odes et Poésies Diverses was published in 1824 and with this a star was on the horizon. He was granted a royal pension from Louis XVIII at an early age of 20. He began working on his second collection of poetry, Odes et Ballades which was published two years later in 1826 and solidified his reputation as a master of lyrics and creative songs.
Hugo's first novel Han d'Islande was published in 1823, followed by his second novel Bug-Jargal which was published three years later in 1826. After this, he turned to writing poetry and published five collections of poetry between 1829 and 1840. The volume, which consisted Les Orientales, 1829; Les Feuilles d'automne, 1831; Les Chants du crépuscule, 1835; Les Voix intérieures, 1837; and Les Rayons et les ombres, 1840, further gained him fame as the most though provoking poet of that times.
Marriage & Children
Victor Hugo became involve with his childhood friend Adèle Foucher and despite fierce resistance from his mother, continued the relationship covertly. After Sophie's death in 1821, Hugo married Foucher in 1822. In 1823, their first child Leopold was born, but failed to survive into adulthood. Hugo's other surviving children were Léopoldine (28 August 1824), Charles (4 November 1826), François-Victor (28 October 1828) and Adèle (24 August 1830). His wife Adèle died in 1868.
Success as a Writer & Poet
In 1829, Victor Hugo published a fiction Le Dernier jour d'un condamné (The Last Day of a Condemned Man) what would become his first serious and important work. The short documentary, based upon a real life story of murderer, gain appreciation for its concise and critical elucidation of social scruples. As a novelist, Hugo's first success came with his first full-length book Notre- Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), which was published in 1831 and was translated in a number of foreign languages. The novel made the Cathedral of Notre Dame a popular with people across Europe and resulted in the appreciation and preservation of the old buildings of the country.
Around 1830, Hugo embarked on working on his most important book that would become the magnum opus of his literary career. Les Misérables, his most popular work, took him almost 17 years to complete it and was published in 1872. The success of the novel brought him a fortune, with fierce marketing and press releases. However, the so called intelligentsia group criticized it for a number of reasons; the book made its way to world fame and was adopted into films and television. Popularity of Les Misérables lies in the fact that issued raised in the book became the agenda of the political groups in the country.
For a change, Hugo estranged himself from the political and social issues in his future novel Les Travailleurs de la Mer (Toilers of the Sea); however it did not affect the popularity of the book. The book, which was published in 1866, portrayed the man's battle with the sea and sea creatures, which were considered non-existent previously. With his next novel L'Homme Qui Rit (The Man Who Laughs), Hugo again turned to social issues. The book, published in 1869, mirrored the real depiction of the aristocracy. The novel failed to achieve a distinct position in the literature and he wrote what would become his last novel Quatrevingt-treize (Ninety-Three), which was finally published in 1874. The book depicted the atrocities during the French Revolution. The reception of this book was lukewarm despite its entirely new subject.
Political Life & Exile
In 1841, Hugo was elected to the Académie française. During this period he shown immense interest in French politics and became an open supporter of Republic form of government. In 1841, King Louis-Philippe promoted him to the higher rake of the society and made him a part of the Higher Chamber as a pair de France. A protagonist of republicanism, Hugo came forward against the death penalty and social injustice advocating the freedom of the press. After the 1848 Revolution and the establishment of the Second Republic, Hugo was appointed to the Legislative Assembly and the Constitutional Assembly.
With Louis Napoleon (Napoleon III) seizing the power in 1851, who established an anti-parliamentary constitution in the country, Hugo began attacking him openly. As a result, he was forced to leave the country and he settled in Guernsey at Hauteville House and lived there until 1870. During his exile, Hugo published his two controversial and debate pamphlets against Napoleon III, known as Napoléon le Petit and Histoire d'un crime. Although the pamphlets were banned and confiscated, it could not prevent them from gaining attention across the world. Other works composed during this period include Les Misérables, and three volumes of poetry (Les Châtiments, 1853; Les Contemplations, 1856; and La Légende des siècles, 1859).
In 1859, an amnesty was granted to all political exiles by Napoleon III, Hugo chose not to come back and took a self exile until Napoleon dynasty was overthrown and the Third Republic was established in the country. Hugo returned in 1870, where he was appointed to the National Assembly and the Senate. He was also a member of the Association Litteraire et Artistique International.
Later Years & Death
Hugo ran for but lost the National Assembly election in 1872 despite his eulogized return to his country. Around this time, Hugo suffered from many personal losses that broke him. His wife died in 1868 and his mistress Juliet Drouet in 1883. Despite his failing health, he continued to actively participate in the politics and made significant contributions. In 1876, Hugo was elected to the Senate. Hugo's 80th birthday in 1881 was celebrated across the country with the largest parade in French history held on the occasion. The author died on 22 May 1885, at the age of 83. His death was mourned all over the country with millions of people paying tribute to him. He is buried in Pantheon, France.
Timeline:
1802-Victor Hugo was born on 26 January.
1824- Hugo's first volume of poetry entitled as Nouvelles Odes et Poésies Diverses was published.
1821- His mother Sophie died.
1823- Hugo's first novel Han d'Islande was published.
1822- He married his childhood friend Adèle Foucher.
1823- Their first child Leopold was born.
1831- His first full-length book Notre- Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), was published.
1841- Hugo was elected to the Académie française.
1841- Hugo became a part of the Higher Chamber as a pair de France.
1851- Louis Napoleon (Napoleon III) seizing the power in 1851
1851- Hugo was given exile.
1859- An amnesty was granted to him.
1868- His wife died in 1868.
1870- Hugo returned to his country and was appointed to the National Assembly and the Senate.
1872- . Les Misérables was published.
1872- Hugo lost the National Assembly election.
1874- His last novel Quatrevingt-treize (Ninety-Three), was published.
1876- Hugo was elected to the Senate.
1885- The author died on 22 May 1885, at the age of 83.
Famous as Author & Poet
Born on 26 January 1802
Born in Besancon, France
Died on 22 May 1885
Nationality France
Works & Achievements Les Contemplations and Les Legende des siecles
Victor Hugo was a French poet, novelist and playwright and a leading supporter of the Romantic Movement in France. He was also a visual artist, statesman and human rights activist, though his fame primarily lies in his poems and dramas. Among his prodigious output of poems, Les Contemplations and Les Legende des siecles stand high and are regarded as his best works in this genre. His best novels include Les Miserables and Notre-Dame de Paris (in English, The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and Les Travailleurs de la Mer. He is regarded as the leading figure in the history of French literature and politics who did not only contributed to the Romantic Movement in France but also gained international fame for his efforts towards establishing the Third Republican and democracy in the country. The author died on 22 May 1885, at the age of 83.
Childhood & Education
Victor Hugo was born on 26 January 1802 in Besancon, France and was the third and the last son of Joseph Leopold Sigisbert Hugo and Sophie Trebuchet. He had two siblings Abel Joseph Hugo and Eugene Hugo, both elder to him. Hugo, as a child witnessed a great deal of political changes in his country, among them the most significant was the rise of the First French Empire and the dictatorship under Napoleon Bonaparte. His father, Joseph was an atheist republican and an influential officer in the army of Napoleon and a fervent supporter of him while his mother Sophie was a staunch Catholic Royalist. The conflicting political views of his parents mirrored the struggle between two major forces in the country for the attainment of the power and would badly affect their married life. As an officer, Joseph Hugo was on constant trips, moving from one place to another, with his family following him everywhere. Traveling gave Victor ample time and opportunity to learn and instilled in him a fondness for nature and beauty.
However by 1803, his mother had grown tired of the constant traveling and her adulterous husband and decided to stay back in Paris while John Hugo went away to Italy on one of such postings. Thereafter, Sophie became in charge of the education of her son and successfully instilled in her son the faithfulness and loyalty to both King and the Catholic beliefs. Young Hugo adapted the teachings of his mother which is mirrored in his early writings, however later in life he would rebel against Catholic Royalist beliefs and instead become a supporter of Republicanism, like his father.
Early Life & Works
As a youth poet, Hugo was inspired by François-René de Chateaubriand, the leading figure in the Romantic Movement in literature and resolved to follow him in his fame. Chateaubriand was also a fervent supporter of republicanism who was given exile because of his bold political views and Hugo would also share the fate of his hero in his later years.
Hugo's first volume of poetry entitled as Nouvelles Odes et Poésies Diverses was published in 1824 and with this a star was on the horizon. He was granted a royal pension from Louis XVIII at an early age of 20. He began working on his second collection of poetry, Odes et Ballades which was published two years later in 1826 and solidified his reputation as a master of lyrics and creative songs.
Hugo's first novel Han d'Islande was published in 1823, followed by his second novel Bug-Jargal which was published three years later in 1826. After this, he turned to writing poetry and published five collections of poetry between 1829 and 1840. The volume, which consisted Les Orientales, 1829; Les Feuilles d'automne, 1831; Les Chants du crépuscule, 1835; Les Voix intérieures, 1837; and Les Rayons et les ombres, 1840, further gained him fame as the most though provoking poet of that times.
Marriage & Children
Victor Hugo became involve with his childhood friend Adèle Foucher and despite fierce resistance from his mother, continued the relationship covertly. After Sophie's death in 1821, Hugo married Foucher in 1822. In 1823, their first child Leopold was born, but failed to survive into adulthood. Hugo's other surviving children were Léopoldine (28 August 1824), Charles (4 November 1826), François-Victor (28 October 1828) and Adèle (24 August 1830). His wife Adèle died in 1868.
Success as a Writer & Poet
In 1829, Victor Hugo published a fiction Le Dernier jour d'un condamné (The Last Day of a Condemned Man) what would become his first serious and important work. The short documentary, based upon a real life story of murderer, gain appreciation for its concise and critical elucidation of social scruples. As a novelist, Hugo's first success came with his first full-length book Notre- Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), which was published in 1831 and was translated in a number of foreign languages. The novel made the Cathedral of Notre Dame a popular with people across Europe and resulted in the appreciation and preservation of the old buildings of the country.
Around 1830, Hugo embarked on working on his most important book that would become the magnum opus of his literary career. Les Misérables, his most popular work, took him almost 17 years to complete it and was published in 1872. The success of the novel brought him a fortune, with fierce marketing and press releases. However, the so called intelligentsia group criticized it for a number of reasons; the book made its way to world fame and was adopted into films and television. Popularity of Les Misérables lies in the fact that issued raised in the book became the agenda of the political groups in the country.
For a change, Hugo estranged himself from the political and social issues in his future novel Les Travailleurs de la Mer (Toilers of the Sea); however it did not affect the popularity of the book. The book, which was published in 1866, portrayed the man's battle with the sea and sea creatures, which were considered non-existent previously. With his next novel L'Homme Qui Rit (The Man Who Laughs), Hugo again turned to social issues. The book, published in 1869, mirrored the real depiction of the aristocracy. The novel failed to achieve a distinct position in the literature and he wrote what would become his last novel Quatrevingt-treize (Ninety-Three), which was finally published in 1874. The book depicted the atrocities during the French Revolution. The reception of this book was lukewarm despite its entirely new subject.
Political Life & Exile
In 1841, Hugo was elected to the Académie française. During this period he shown immense interest in French politics and became an open supporter of Republic form of government. In 1841, King Louis-Philippe promoted him to the higher rake of the society and made him a part of the Higher Chamber as a pair de France. A protagonist of republicanism, Hugo came forward against the death penalty and social injustice advocating the freedom of the press. After the 1848 Revolution and the establishment of the Second Republic, Hugo was appointed to the Legislative Assembly and the Constitutional Assembly.
With Louis Napoleon (Napoleon III) seizing the power in 1851, who established an anti-parliamentary constitution in the country, Hugo began attacking him openly. As a result, he was forced to leave the country and he settled in Guernsey at Hauteville House and lived there until 1870. During his exile, Hugo published his two controversial and debate pamphlets against Napoleon III, known as Napoléon le Petit and Histoire d'un crime. Although the pamphlets were banned and confiscated, it could not prevent them from gaining attention across the world. Other works composed during this period include Les Misérables, and three volumes of poetry (Les Châtiments, 1853; Les Contemplations, 1856; and La Légende des siècles, 1859).
In 1859, an amnesty was granted to all political exiles by Napoleon III, Hugo chose not to come back and took a self exile until Napoleon dynasty was overthrown and the Third Republic was established in the country. Hugo returned in 1870, where he was appointed to the National Assembly and the Senate. He was also a member of the Association Litteraire et Artistique International.
Later Years & Death
Hugo ran for but lost the National Assembly election in 1872 despite his eulogized return to his country. Around this time, Hugo suffered from many personal losses that broke him. His wife died in 1868 and his mistress Juliet Drouet in 1883. Despite his failing health, he continued to actively participate in the politics and made significant contributions. In 1876, Hugo was elected to the Senate. Hugo's 80th birthday in 1881 was celebrated across the country with the largest parade in French history held on the occasion. The author died on 22 May 1885, at the age of 83. His death was mourned all over the country with millions of people paying tribute to him. He is buried in Pantheon, France.
Timeline:
1802-Victor Hugo was born on 26 January.
1824- Hugo's first volume of poetry entitled as Nouvelles Odes et Poésies Diverses was published.
1821- His mother Sophie died.
1823- Hugo's first novel Han d'Islande was published.
1822- He married his childhood friend Adèle Foucher.
1823- Their first child Leopold was born.
1831- His first full-length book Notre- Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), was published.
1841- Hugo was elected to the Académie française.
1841- Hugo became a part of the Higher Chamber as a pair de France.
1851- Louis Napoleon (Napoleon III) seizing the power in 1851
1851- Hugo was given exile.
1859- An amnesty was granted to him.
1868- His wife died in 1868.
1870- Hugo returned to his country and was appointed to the National Assembly and the Senate.
1872- . Les Misérables was published.
1872- Hugo lost the National Assembly election.
1874- His last novel Quatrevingt-treize (Ninety-Three), was published.
1876- Hugo was elected to the Senate.
1885- The author died on 22 May 1885, at the age of 83.
Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy
Famous as Novelist & Poet
Born on 02 June 1840
Born in Dorset, England
Died on 11 January 1928
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements A Pair of Blue eyes, Wessex Tales & The Return of the native; Order of Merit (1910)
Thomas Hardy was an English author, novelist and poet, who is mainly known for his contribution in the naturalist movement. Though he always regarded himself as a poet and claimed poems as his first love, they are not as popular as novels composed by him. Hardy's huge popularity lies in the large volume of work, together known as the Wessex stories. These novels, plotted in a semi-fictional place, Wessex outline the lives of people struggling against their passion and the adverse conditions. Most of his works reflect his stoical glumness and sense of cataclysm in human life. As both poet and author, Hardy displayed his mastery in dealing with themes of disappointment in love and life, human suffering and all-powering fate. Most of his works are set in the milieu of social tragedy, injustice and evil laws and often have a fatalistic end, with many of the characters falling prey to the unanticipated conditions. Among his most important works are novels Far from the Madding Crowd, The Return of the Native Wessex Tales and A Pair of Blue Eyes.
Childhood & Early Life
Thomas Hardy was born on 2 June 1840 in the east of Dorchester in Dorset in England to a stonemason and his wife. His father also worked as a builder. Thomas received his initial schooling from his mother at home until the age of eight when he went to school for the first time. After schooling in Bockhampton, he became an apprenticed to a local architect at age 16. He worked there with a specialization in the restoration of Churches until 1862 when he moved to London to study architecture at King's College, London. He did well in studies and was given prizes from the Royal Instituted of British Architects and the Architectural Association but he had developed a passion for writing by then and decided to take it as a career.
Marriages
Thomas Hardy met his first wife Emma Lavinia 1870 in Cornwell, while still working as an architect. They married in 1874 after a long courtship. Though the marriage later became partly unhappy for unidentified reasons, her death in 1912 came as a shocking and painful experience to him. He mourned deeply and wrote poems as a tribute to her. His future works, poems set in the backdrop of Cornwall, were a reminiscence of their courtship and reflected both his remorse and love for his wife. One of such works was the Poems 1912-1913, a recollection of her death. In 1914, Hardy married for a second time. His second wife, Florence Dugdale was his previous secretary and 39 years younger to him.
Views on Religion
There are strong suggestion that Hardy's stance on religion swayed between agnosticism and atheism. Most of his works draw heavily upon the strength on all-powering fate and question the existence of God in the times of human suffering. As an author and poet, Hardy seemingly was fascinated with fatalistic ends and expressed pessimism that was impassive, indifferent. His own life was marked by a religious view that was a mixture of philosophy and spiritualism which did not discard the existence of God, yet questioned it. Hardy rather showed an interest in writing about external supernatural forces, and fascination with ghosts and spirits. However a Church devotee, Hardy drew heavily upon the role of God in the irony and tragedy of life and human suffering.
Notable Works
Hardy as a writer is mainly known for his novels. His first novel, The Poor Man and the Lady was written in 1867 and was destroyed when the manuscript was refused publication from a number of publishing houses. After a turbulent first experienced, Hardy anonymously published two novels Desperate Remedies and Under the Greenwood Tree in 1871 and 1872 respectively. His first success as a writer came in 1873, with the release of his first important work A Pair of Blue Eyes. The book was a recollection of his courtship with his first wife Emma.
Another stunning success was the beginning of the series of Wessex Tales which was published after his second novel Far from the Madding Crowd. The novel was first published in 1874 and brought him instant success. He next wrote The Return of the native, published in 1878. Hardy moved with his wife to Max Gate, in a house designed by him where he wrote The Mayor of Casterbridge, published in 1886 followed by The Woodlanders (1887) and Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891).
Hardy's first volume of poetry, Wessex Poems was published in 1898. Since then, a prodigious output of his poems was published till 1928. Originally wanted to be a poet, Hardy claimed poem as his first priority, though he could not achieve anything of distinct in this genre and it remained overshadowed by his works in prose. Hardy as a poet showed a sharp observation of his surrounding and nature and wrote poems that displayed his affection for natural world. Although like his novels, his poems also carry strain of irony of life, cruel fate and regrets.
Themes
Hardy's short stories and novel series are best remembered for their meticulous portrayal of life troubled by social evils, human suffering and struggle against injustice and ill-comprehended laws. Most of his novels are set in a semi-fictional place Wessex, a large area of south-west England. His most controversial novel, Jude the Obscure highlights the prejudice and hypocrisy of Victorian society on sexual conduct. In another book Town on a Tower, Hardy displays a firm stand against an orthodox and conventional path for attaining love. Fate plays an important role in most of his books and remains the centre of most of his works. His characters always find themselves trapped and are often defeated by the fate and unforeseen conditions. His books portray people fighting against the cruelty of life, injustice and badly framed laws that constrain the social growth.
Death
In December 1927, Hardy fell sick with pleurisy and eventually died in January 1928. After the funeral on 16 January, his heart was buried with his first wife Emma and ashes in Poet's Corner.
Timeline:
1840- Thomas Hardy was born on 2 June 1840.
1862- He moved to London to study architecture at King's College, London.
1867- His first novel, The Poor Man and the Lady was written in 1867
1870- Thomas Hardy met his first wife Emma Lavinia 1870.
1873- His first important work A Pair of Blue Eyes was published.
1874- Hardy and Emma married in 1874.
1874- His second novel Far from the Madding Crowd was first published in 1874.
1886- He wrote The Mayor of Casterbridge, published in 1886.
1898- Hardy's first volume of poetry, Wessex Poems was published in 1898.
1912- His first wife Emma died.
1914- He married Florence Dugdale.
1927- Hardy fell sick with pleurisy.
1928- Thomas Hardy died.
Famous as Novelist & Poet
Born on 02 June 1840
Born in Dorset, England
Died on 11 January 1928
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements A Pair of Blue eyes, Wessex Tales & The Return of the native; Order of Merit (1910)
Thomas Hardy was an English author, novelist and poet, who is mainly known for his contribution in the naturalist movement. Though he always regarded himself as a poet and claimed poems as his first love, they are not as popular as novels composed by him. Hardy's huge popularity lies in the large volume of work, together known as the Wessex stories. These novels, plotted in a semi-fictional place, Wessex outline the lives of people struggling against their passion and the adverse conditions. Most of his works reflect his stoical glumness and sense of cataclysm in human life. As both poet and author, Hardy displayed his mastery in dealing with themes of disappointment in love and life, human suffering and all-powering fate. Most of his works are set in the milieu of social tragedy, injustice and evil laws and often have a fatalistic end, with many of the characters falling prey to the unanticipated conditions. Among his most important works are novels Far from the Madding Crowd, The Return of the Native Wessex Tales and A Pair of Blue Eyes.
Childhood & Early Life
Thomas Hardy was born on 2 June 1840 in the east of Dorchester in Dorset in England to a stonemason and his wife. His father also worked as a builder. Thomas received his initial schooling from his mother at home until the age of eight when he went to school for the first time. After schooling in Bockhampton, he became an apprenticed to a local architect at age 16. He worked there with a specialization in the restoration of Churches until 1862 when he moved to London to study architecture at King's College, London. He did well in studies and was given prizes from the Royal Instituted of British Architects and the Architectural Association but he had developed a passion for writing by then and decided to take it as a career.
Marriages
Thomas Hardy met his first wife Emma Lavinia 1870 in Cornwell, while still working as an architect. They married in 1874 after a long courtship. Though the marriage later became partly unhappy for unidentified reasons, her death in 1912 came as a shocking and painful experience to him. He mourned deeply and wrote poems as a tribute to her. His future works, poems set in the backdrop of Cornwall, were a reminiscence of their courtship and reflected both his remorse and love for his wife. One of such works was the Poems 1912-1913, a recollection of her death. In 1914, Hardy married for a second time. His second wife, Florence Dugdale was his previous secretary and 39 years younger to him.
Views on Religion
There are strong suggestion that Hardy's stance on religion swayed between agnosticism and atheism. Most of his works draw heavily upon the strength on all-powering fate and question the existence of God in the times of human suffering. As an author and poet, Hardy seemingly was fascinated with fatalistic ends and expressed pessimism that was impassive, indifferent. His own life was marked by a religious view that was a mixture of philosophy and spiritualism which did not discard the existence of God, yet questioned it. Hardy rather showed an interest in writing about external supernatural forces, and fascination with ghosts and spirits. However a Church devotee, Hardy drew heavily upon the role of God in the irony and tragedy of life and human suffering.
Notable Works
Hardy as a writer is mainly known for his novels. His first novel, The Poor Man and the Lady was written in 1867 and was destroyed when the manuscript was refused publication from a number of publishing houses. After a turbulent first experienced, Hardy anonymously published two novels Desperate Remedies and Under the Greenwood Tree in 1871 and 1872 respectively. His first success as a writer came in 1873, with the release of his first important work A Pair of Blue Eyes. The book was a recollection of his courtship with his first wife Emma.
Another stunning success was the beginning of the series of Wessex Tales which was published after his second novel Far from the Madding Crowd. The novel was first published in 1874 and brought him instant success. He next wrote The Return of the native, published in 1878. Hardy moved with his wife to Max Gate, in a house designed by him where he wrote The Mayor of Casterbridge, published in 1886 followed by The Woodlanders (1887) and Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891).
Hardy's first volume of poetry, Wessex Poems was published in 1898. Since then, a prodigious output of his poems was published till 1928. Originally wanted to be a poet, Hardy claimed poem as his first priority, though he could not achieve anything of distinct in this genre and it remained overshadowed by his works in prose. Hardy as a poet showed a sharp observation of his surrounding and nature and wrote poems that displayed his affection for natural world. Although like his novels, his poems also carry strain of irony of life, cruel fate and regrets.
Themes
Hardy's short stories and novel series are best remembered for their meticulous portrayal of life troubled by social evils, human suffering and struggle against injustice and ill-comprehended laws. Most of his novels are set in a semi-fictional place Wessex, a large area of south-west England. His most controversial novel, Jude the Obscure highlights the prejudice and hypocrisy of Victorian society on sexual conduct. In another book Town on a Tower, Hardy displays a firm stand against an orthodox and conventional path for attaining love. Fate plays an important role in most of his books and remains the centre of most of his works. His characters always find themselves trapped and are often defeated by the fate and unforeseen conditions. His books portray people fighting against the cruelty of life, injustice and badly framed laws that constrain the social growth.
Death
In December 1927, Hardy fell sick with pleurisy and eventually died in January 1928. After the funeral on 16 January, his heart was buried with his first wife Emma and ashes in Poet's Corner.
Timeline:
1840- Thomas Hardy was born on 2 June 1840.
1862- He moved to London to study architecture at King's College, London.
1867- His first novel, The Poor Man and the Lady was written in 1867
1870- Thomas Hardy met his first wife Emma Lavinia 1870.
1873- His first important work A Pair of Blue Eyes was published.
1874- Hardy and Emma married in 1874.
1874- His second novel Far from the Madding Crowd was first published in 1874.
1886- He wrote The Mayor of Casterbridge, published in 1886.
1898- Hardy's first volume of poetry, Wessex Poems was published in 1898.
1912- His first wife Emma died.
1914- He married Florence Dugdale.
1927- Hardy fell sick with pleurisy.
1928- Thomas Hardy died.
T S Eliot
T S Eliot
Famous as Poet & Critic
Born on 26 September 1888
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Died on 04 January 1965
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, The Waste Land, Murder in the Cathedral & The Hollow Men; Nobel Prize in Literature (1948)
Tomas Stearns Eliot, often shorten as T. S. Eliot was a poet, dramatist and literary critic and a Nobel Prize winner for his exceptional work in the world literature. Some of his best known works include the poems The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, The Waste Land, Murder in the Cathedral & The Hollow Men, Four Quarters and the plays Murder in the Cathedral and The Cocktail Party. His most famous essay remains Tradition and the Individual Talent. Best known for his poems, Eliot also achieved distinction in the field of literary criticism and has been ranked as the greatest literary critic of the 20th century. Born in America, Eliot moved to the United Kingdom in 1941, where he earned an international fame and appreciation for his literary works for the first time. He was granted the British citizenship in 1927, at the age of thirty nine.
Childhood & Education
Born on 26 September 1888, Eliot was the son of Henry Ware Eliot, a successful entrepreneur, president and treasurer of the Hydraulic-Press Brick Company. His mother Charlotte Champe Stearns was a poet and also a social worker. Of their six surviving children, Eliot was the youngest and had siblings much elder than him. In 1898, Eliot started his education from a preparatory school for Washington University 'Smith Academy' where he learned Latin, Greek, French and German until he left the school in 1905. After graduating, he went on to study at Harvard University where he received a B. A. from 1906 to 1909. In 1910, Eliot earned his Master's degree from the University and settled in Paris studying at the Sorbonne.
He rejoined the University in 1911 as a doctoral student in philosophy where he read avidly and keenly the writings of F.H. Bradley, Buddhism and Indic philosophy. Upon completing his course there, Eliot was sent to Merton College, Oxford University on a scholarship in 1914. While at Oxford, Eliot met his future wife Vivienne Haigh-Wood, a Cambridge lecturer. Eliot dropped the Merton College in the middle and married Vivienne on 26 June 1915 in a secret ceremony. He settled in London with his wife and supported himself with his small teaching jobs.
Career & Life in England
Eliot left Merton and took up a job of teaching at Highgate School and then Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe. In 1917, he was hired by the Lloyds Bank in London where he dealt with the foreign accounts. While working in the bank, he continued to write book reviews and lecture at various colleges. After working for sometime, Eliot left the bank in 1925 and joined the publishing firm Faber and Gwyer where he was made its director in coming years.
In 1927, Eliot converted to Anglicanism and became a British citizen. By this time, Eliot had grown tired of his unhappy marriage with Vivienne who therefore, when offered the Charles Eliot Norton professorship by Harvard University in 1932, took the opportunity and left her in England. He returned to London in 1933 and successfully sought an official separation from his wife. Vivienne passed away in 1947 after a long treatment in a mental hospital of London. Eliot married for a second time; to his previous secretary at Faber and Gywer (later Faber and Faber). He married Esme Valerie Fletcher, a girl much younger than him, on 10 January 1957 in a secret ceremony. The marriage was successful though short as Eliot would die after eight years of their marriage and his wife would edit The Letters of T.S. Eliot after his death.
Notable Works
Eliot is mainly known for his poems such as The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, The Waste Land, The Hollow Men, Ash Wednesday and Four Quarters. The poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock depicts a man lamenting his physical inability and failure in attaining the spiritual and intellectual growth in life. The poem initially was not very successful but it received praise for its techniques of expression and citation. The Waste Land was published in 1922, and was composed during his life with his first wife. According to Eliot, the plot of the poem was inspired by his personal experience of his marriage and was a result of his mental status at that time. The poem deals with the individual awareness and spiritual anguish against the decline of civilization. His next legendry poem The Hollow Men came in 1925 and was marked for its connection with the post war Europe and religious issues.
Ash Wednesday, his first poem after conversion appeared in 1930. The poem expounds the difficulty one finds in pursuit of the knowledge of God, when the person had been always doubtful in the past. The poem somehow gives a glimpse of the agonistic and spiritual dilemma of the poet was ranked among his best works. However his masterpiece and the magnum opus of spiritual poems is believed to be the poem Four Quarters, which made him the winner of Nobel Prize in literature in 1948. The poem is based upon philosophy of life and the knowledge of mysticism. Eliot also produced some fine plays among which The Rocks and Murder in the Cathedral are considered his best works in this genre.
Eliot as Critic
Eliot is also remembered for his contribution to the field of literary criticism which he attributed to his habit of avid reading and working on artistic values. Though he never himself accepted the honor, he is ranked as the most famous and influential literary critic of the 20th century. His best known critical essay Tradition and the individual talent emphasizes the need of understanding of art in a way that is related to the previous piece of art. According to some, Eliot's talent as a literary critic can be found in his poems such as The Waste Land and Four Quarters. In 1939, Eliot wrote a book of light verse, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. Eliot's prodigious output of critical works include The Sacred Wood (1920); For Lancelot Andrewes (1928); Selected Essays, 1917–32 (1932); The Use of Poetry and the Use of Criticism (1933); After Strange Gods (1934); Elizabethan Essays (1934); Essays Ancient and Modern (1936); and Notes towards a Definition of Culture (1948).
Death
A chronic smoker, Eliot led a life troubled by health problems such as bronchitis and tachycardia which had lowered his immunity and stamina. He contracted emphysema in London and died on 4 January 1965 and was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes were taken to St. Michael's Church in East Coker, his ancestral village whence they immigrated to America.
Timeline:
1888- Eliot was born on 26 September.
1898- Eliot was admitted into a preparatory school for Washington University 'Smith Academy'.
1910- Eliot earned his Master's degree from the Harvard University.
1911- He returned to the University as a doctoral student in philosophy.
1914- Eliot was sent to Merton College, Oxford University on a scholarship.
1915- Eliot married his first wife married Vivienne on 26 June.
1917- He was hired by the Lloyds Bank in London.
1922- The Waste Land was published.
1925- He left the bank to join a firm Faber and Gwyer.
1925- The Hollow Men came.
1927- Eliot converted to Anglicanism and became a British citizen.
1930- Ash Wednesday, his first poem after conversion appeared in 1930.
1932- He was offered the Charles Eliot Norton professorship by Harvard University.
1933- Eliot separated from his wife Vivienne.
1939- Eliot wrote a book of light verse, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.
1947- Vivienne passed away.
1948- Eliot was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
1957- He married Esme Valerie Fletcheron 10 January.
1965- Eliot died on 4 January in London.
Famous as Poet & Critic
Born on 26 September 1888
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Died on 04 January 1965
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, The Waste Land, Murder in the Cathedral & The Hollow Men; Nobel Prize in Literature (1948)
Tomas Stearns Eliot, often shorten as T. S. Eliot was a poet, dramatist and literary critic and a Nobel Prize winner for his exceptional work in the world literature. Some of his best known works include the poems The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, The Waste Land, Murder in the Cathedral & The Hollow Men, Four Quarters and the plays Murder in the Cathedral and The Cocktail Party. His most famous essay remains Tradition and the Individual Talent. Best known for his poems, Eliot also achieved distinction in the field of literary criticism and has been ranked as the greatest literary critic of the 20th century. Born in America, Eliot moved to the United Kingdom in 1941, where he earned an international fame and appreciation for his literary works for the first time. He was granted the British citizenship in 1927, at the age of thirty nine.
Childhood & Education
Born on 26 September 1888, Eliot was the son of Henry Ware Eliot, a successful entrepreneur, president and treasurer of the Hydraulic-Press Brick Company. His mother Charlotte Champe Stearns was a poet and also a social worker. Of their six surviving children, Eliot was the youngest and had siblings much elder than him. In 1898, Eliot started his education from a preparatory school for Washington University 'Smith Academy' where he learned Latin, Greek, French and German until he left the school in 1905. After graduating, he went on to study at Harvard University where he received a B. A. from 1906 to 1909. In 1910, Eliot earned his Master's degree from the University and settled in Paris studying at the Sorbonne.
He rejoined the University in 1911 as a doctoral student in philosophy where he read avidly and keenly the writings of F.H. Bradley, Buddhism and Indic philosophy. Upon completing his course there, Eliot was sent to Merton College, Oxford University on a scholarship in 1914. While at Oxford, Eliot met his future wife Vivienne Haigh-Wood, a Cambridge lecturer. Eliot dropped the Merton College in the middle and married Vivienne on 26 June 1915 in a secret ceremony. He settled in London with his wife and supported himself with his small teaching jobs.
Career & Life in England
Eliot left Merton and took up a job of teaching at Highgate School and then Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe. In 1917, he was hired by the Lloyds Bank in London where he dealt with the foreign accounts. While working in the bank, he continued to write book reviews and lecture at various colleges. After working for sometime, Eliot left the bank in 1925 and joined the publishing firm Faber and Gwyer where he was made its director in coming years.
In 1927, Eliot converted to Anglicanism and became a British citizen. By this time, Eliot had grown tired of his unhappy marriage with Vivienne who therefore, when offered the Charles Eliot Norton professorship by Harvard University in 1932, took the opportunity and left her in England. He returned to London in 1933 and successfully sought an official separation from his wife. Vivienne passed away in 1947 after a long treatment in a mental hospital of London. Eliot married for a second time; to his previous secretary at Faber and Gywer (later Faber and Faber). He married Esme Valerie Fletcher, a girl much younger than him, on 10 January 1957 in a secret ceremony. The marriage was successful though short as Eliot would die after eight years of their marriage and his wife would edit The Letters of T.S. Eliot after his death.
Notable Works
Eliot is mainly known for his poems such as The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, The Waste Land, The Hollow Men, Ash Wednesday and Four Quarters. The poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock depicts a man lamenting his physical inability and failure in attaining the spiritual and intellectual growth in life. The poem initially was not very successful but it received praise for its techniques of expression and citation. The Waste Land was published in 1922, and was composed during his life with his first wife. According to Eliot, the plot of the poem was inspired by his personal experience of his marriage and was a result of his mental status at that time. The poem deals with the individual awareness and spiritual anguish against the decline of civilization. His next legendry poem The Hollow Men came in 1925 and was marked for its connection with the post war Europe and religious issues.
Ash Wednesday, his first poem after conversion appeared in 1930. The poem expounds the difficulty one finds in pursuit of the knowledge of God, when the person had been always doubtful in the past. The poem somehow gives a glimpse of the agonistic and spiritual dilemma of the poet was ranked among his best works. However his masterpiece and the magnum opus of spiritual poems is believed to be the poem Four Quarters, which made him the winner of Nobel Prize in literature in 1948. The poem is based upon philosophy of life and the knowledge of mysticism. Eliot also produced some fine plays among which The Rocks and Murder in the Cathedral are considered his best works in this genre.
Eliot as Critic
Eliot is also remembered for his contribution to the field of literary criticism which he attributed to his habit of avid reading and working on artistic values. Though he never himself accepted the honor, he is ranked as the most famous and influential literary critic of the 20th century. His best known critical essay Tradition and the individual talent emphasizes the need of understanding of art in a way that is related to the previous piece of art. According to some, Eliot's talent as a literary critic can be found in his poems such as The Waste Land and Four Quarters. In 1939, Eliot wrote a book of light verse, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. Eliot's prodigious output of critical works include The Sacred Wood (1920); For Lancelot Andrewes (1928); Selected Essays, 1917–32 (1932); The Use of Poetry and the Use of Criticism (1933); After Strange Gods (1934); Elizabethan Essays (1934); Essays Ancient and Modern (1936); and Notes towards a Definition of Culture (1948).
Death
A chronic smoker, Eliot led a life troubled by health problems such as bronchitis and tachycardia which had lowered his immunity and stamina. He contracted emphysema in London and died on 4 January 1965 and was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes were taken to St. Michael's Church in East Coker, his ancestral village whence they immigrated to America.
Timeline:
1888- Eliot was born on 26 September.
1898- Eliot was admitted into a preparatory school for Washington University 'Smith Academy'.
1910- Eliot earned his Master's degree from the Harvard University.
1911- He returned to the University as a doctoral student in philosophy.
1914- Eliot was sent to Merton College, Oxford University on a scholarship.
1915- Eliot married his first wife married Vivienne on 26 June.
1917- He was hired by the Lloyds Bank in London.
1922- The Waste Land was published.
1925- He left the bank to join a firm Faber and Gwyer.
1925- The Hollow Men came.
1927- Eliot converted to Anglicanism and became a British citizen.
1930- Ash Wednesday, his first poem after conversion appeared in 1930.
1932- He was offered the Charles Eliot Norton professorship by Harvard University.
1933- Eliot separated from his wife Vivienne.
1939- Eliot wrote a book of light verse, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.
1947- Vivienne passed away.
1948- Eliot was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
1957- He married Esme Valerie Fletcheron 10 January.
1965- Eliot died on 4 January in London.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Famous as Author & Poet
Born on 22 May 1859
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland
Died on 07 July 1930
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements Stories of Sherlock Holmes & The Lost World
Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a Scottish doctor, author and poet, and is most notably remembered for his stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes. Regarded as the leading light of crime and science fictions, the author is best known for the world popular character Sherlock Holmes and the adventures of Professor Challenger. Sir Arthur Doyle was a prolific writer and produced a prodigious output in a variety of genres ranging from science fictions to historical novels to plays and romances and non-fiction stories. The world famous character of detective Sherlock Holmes first appeared in his novel A Study in Scarlet in 1887, and from then on Sir Arthur began writing stories starring the character which resulted in about fifty five more Sherlock Holmes stories and four novels starring him. He wrote many fiction and non fiction works including The Stark Munro Letters, The Exploits of Brigadier Gerad, The Hound of the Baskervilles and his masterpiece The Lost World. Many of his works are still in print and have been published in a number of foreign languages.
Childhood & Education
Born on 22 May 1859, Arthur Conan Doyle was the son of an English father Charles Altamont Doyle and an Irish mother Nee Mary Foley. His father Charles was a fervent alcoholic and would lead a problematic life amid addiction and depression and eventually died in 1893. Supported by his uncle, Arthur was sent to the Roman Catholic Jesuit preparatory school Hodder Place, Stonyhurst in 1868 when he was eight. After this, he attended Stonyhurst College from where he received his graduation degree in 1875. Between 1876 and 1881, Arthur studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and started writing short stories. He received his doctorate with a specialization in tabes dorsalis in 1885.
Early Life & Career
In 1882, Arthur Doyle ventured in to medical practice with a friend, but soon regretted his decision and parted away to set up his own practice. He managed to set up a medical practice in Elm Grove, Southsea. The practice initially did not earn him much and he found plenty of time to write in his free time. A Study in Scarlet, his first important work featuring Sherlock Holmes appeared in 1887. From then on, Sherlock Holmes became an indispensable part of his short stories and most of them were published in the English Strand Magazine. While living in Southsea, Arthur Doyle developed a passion for football and devoted a considerable time to the Portsmouth Association Football Club, playing as a goalkeeper. He also performed well in cricket for an amateur and was once elected captain of Crowborough Beacon Golf Club, East Sussex.
Marriages & Children
Arthur Conan Doyle married his first wife Louisa Hawkins in 1885, who bore him two children: Mary Louise (28 January 1889 – 12 June 1976) and Arthur Alleyne Kingsley, known as Kingsley (15 November 1892 – 28 October 1918). On 4 July 1906, Louisa Hawkins died of Tuberculosis following a long period of illness. One year later in 1907, Arthur married Jean Elizabeth Leckie and fathered three children; Denis Percy Stewart (17 March 1909 – 9 March 1955), Adrian Malcolm (1910–1970) and Jean Lena Annette (1912–1997). Jean died on 27 June 1940.
Later Years & Work
In 1890, Arthur settled in London and began practicing as an ophthalmologist. The practice was not successful and again he turned to writing more and more. Arthur, as a writer, was always inclined towards writing historical novels and believed that the success of Sherlock Holmes came as a hurdle in this. He decided to kill the character of Sherlock Holmes and did so in the story The Final Problem in 1893. A public hullabaloo ensued and he had to bring the character back in the story The Adventures of the Empty House.
In his later career, Arthur moved on to a broader line of work and began writing about the political sphere. One of such was The War in South Africa: Its Cause and Conduct, a pamphlet which explained the involvement of UK in the Boer war. He next wrote The Great Boer War in 1900. The success of the pamphlet led him to being elected for Knighthood in 1902 and he was made Deputy-Lieutenant of Surrey. The Crime of the Congo, another pamphlet was published in 1909, after which he wrote what is believed to be one of his masterpieces The Lost World in 1912.
Arthur on Spiritualism
In the early 20th century, Arthur suffered from many personal losses. His wife Louisa died of Tuberculosis and tragedy once again hit the family when his son Kingsley, brother Innes, and other close relative succumbed to death one after another. These incidents pushed him into a state of depression and turned him into a spiritualist. Arthur, as a child, was an agonist and had strayed from religious nature for many years. However, by this time he had become increasingly interested and obsessed with spiritualism to the extent that he wrote a Professor Challenger novel called The Land of Mist. His next book The Coming of the Fairies, which he wrote in 1921, supported his views on spiritualism and "life beyond life". In his book The History of Spiritualism, Arthur endorsed the spirit materialization and psychic phenomena. By this time he had come to believe that the living can communicate with the dead. The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes, one of his last books, was published in 1927.
Death
Arthur Conan Doyle died of heart attack in the family garden in "Windlesham", Crowborough on 7 July 1930 and was buried in the Church Yard at Minstead in the New Forest, Hampshire in England. His wife Jean was buried at his side after her death 1940.
Timeline:
1859- Arthur Conan Doyle wasborn on 22 May.
1893- His father Charles Doyle died.
1868- Arthur was sent to the Roman Catholic Jesuit preparatory school Hodder Place, Stonyhurst.
1875- He received his graduation degree from Stonyhurst College.
1882- Arthur Doyle ventured in to medical practice with a friend.
1885- He received his doctorate with a specialization in tabes dorsalis.
1885- Arthur Conan Doyle married his first wife Louisa Hawkins.
1887- A Study in Scarlet, his first important work featuring Sherlock Holmes appeared.
1890- Arthur settled in London and began practicing as an ophthalmologist.
1893- He killed the character of Sherlock Holmes in the story The Final Problem.
1900- He next wrote The Great Boer War in 1900.
1902- He was elected for Knighthood in 1902 and was made Deputy-Lieutenant of Surrey.
1906- Louisa Hawkins died of Tuberculosis on 4 July.
1907- Arthur married Jean Elizabeth Leckie.
1909- The Crime of the Congo, another pamphlet was published.
1912- He wrote his masterpiece The Lost World.
1927- The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes, one of his last books, was published in 1927.
1930- Arthur Conan Doyle died of heart attack on 7 July.
1940- His second wife Jean died on 27 June.
Famous as Author & Poet
Born on 22 May 1859
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland
Died on 07 July 1930
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements Stories of Sherlock Holmes & The Lost World
Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a Scottish doctor, author and poet, and is most notably remembered for his stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes. Regarded as the leading light of crime and science fictions, the author is best known for the world popular character Sherlock Holmes and the adventures of Professor Challenger. Sir Arthur Doyle was a prolific writer and produced a prodigious output in a variety of genres ranging from science fictions to historical novels to plays and romances and non-fiction stories. The world famous character of detective Sherlock Holmes first appeared in his novel A Study in Scarlet in 1887, and from then on Sir Arthur began writing stories starring the character which resulted in about fifty five more Sherlock Holmes stories and four novels starring him. He wrote many fiction and non fiction works including The Stark Munro Letters, The Exploits of Brigadier Gerad, The Hound of the Baskervilles and his masterpiece The Lost World. Many of his works are still in print and have been published in a number of foreign languages.
Childhood & Education
Born on 22 May 1859, Arthur Conan Doyle was the son of an English father Charles Altamont Doyle and an Irish mother Nee Mary Foley. His father Charles was a fervent alcoholic and would lead a problematic life amid addiction and depression and eventually died in 1893. Supported by his uncle, Arthur was sent to the Roman Catholic Jesuit preparatory school Hodder Place, Stonyhurst in 1868 when he was eight. After this, he attended Stonyhurst College from where he received his graduation degree in 1875. Between 1876 and 1881, Arthur studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and started writing short stories. He received his doctorate with a specialization in tabes dorsalis in 1885.
Early Life & Career
In 1882, Arthur Doyle ventured in to medical practice with a friend, but soon regretted his decision and parted away to set up his own practice. He managed to set up a medical practice in Elm Grove, Southsea. The practice initially did not earn him much and he found plenty of time to write in his free time. A Study in Scarlet, his first important work featuring Sherlock Holmes appeared in 1887. From then on, Sherlock Holmes became an indispensable part of his short stories and most of them were published in the English Strand Magazine. While living in Southsea, Arthur Doyle developed a passion for football and devoted a considerable time to the Portsmouth Association Football Club, playing as a goalkeeper. He also performed well in cricket for an amateur and was once elected captain of Crowborough Beacon Golf Club, East Sussex.
Marriages & Children
Arthur Conan Doyle married his first wife Louisa Hawkins in 1885, who bore him two children: Mary Louise (28 January 1889 – 12 June 1976) and Arthur Alleyne Kingsley, known as Kingsley (15 November 1892 – 28 October 1918). On 4 July 1906, Louisa Hawkins died of Tuberculosis following a long period of illness. One year later in 1907, Arthur married Jean Elizabeth Leckie and fathered three children; Denis Percy Stewart (17 March 1909 – 9 March 1955), Adrian Malcolm (1910–1970) and Jean Lena Annette (1912–1997). Jean died on 27 June 1940.
Later Years & Work
In 1890, Arthur settled in London and began practicing as an ophthalmologist. The practice was not successful and again he turned to writing more and more. Arthur, as a writer, was always inclined towards writing historical novels and believed that the success of Sherlock Holmes came as a hurdle in this. He decided to kill the character of Sherlock Holmes and did so in the story The Final Problem in 1893. A public hullabaloo ensued and he had to bring the character back in the story The Adventures of the Empty House.
In his later career, Arthur moved on to a broader line of work and began writing about the political sphere. One of such was The War in South Africa: Its Cause and Conduct, a pamphlet which explained the involvement of UK in the Boer war. He next wrote The Great Boer War in 1900. The success of the pamphlet led him to being elected for Knighthood in 1902 and he was made Deputy-Lieutenant of Surrey. The Crime of the Congo, another pamphlet was published in 1909, after which he wrote what is believed to be one of his masterpieces The Lost World in 1912.
Arthur on Spiritualism
In the early 20th century, Arthur suffered from many personal losses. His wife Louisa died of Tuberculosis and tragedy once again hit the family when his son Kingsley, brother Innes, and other close relative succumbed to death one after another. These incidents pushed him into a state of depression and turned him into a spiritualist. Arthur, as a child, was an agonist and had strayed from religious nature for many years. However, by this time he had become increasingly interested and obsessed with spiritualism to the extent that he wrote a Professor Challenger novel called The Land of Mist. His next book The Coming of the Fairies, which he wrote in 1921, supported his views on spiritualism and "life beyond life". In his book The History of Spiritualism, Arthur endorsed the spirit materialization and psychic phenomena. By this time he had come to believe that the living can communicate with the dead. The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes, one of his last books, was published in 1927.
Death
Arthur Conan Doyle died of heart attack in the family garden in "Windlesham", Crowborough on 7 July 1930 and was buried in the Church Yard at Minstead in the New Forest, Hampshire in England. His wife Jean was buried at his side after her death 1940.
Timeline:
1859- Arthur Conan Doyle wasborn on 22 May.
1893- His father Charles Doyle died.
1868- Arthur was sent to the Roman Catholic Jesuit preparatory school Hodder Place, Stonyhurst.
1875- He received his graduation degree from Stonyhurst College.
1882- Arthur Doyle ventured in to medical practice with a friend.
1885- He received his doctorate with a specialization in tabes dorsalis.
1885- Arthur Conan Doyle married his first wife Louisa Hawkins.
1887- A Study in Scarlet, his first important work featuring Sherlock Holmes appeared.
1890- Arthur settled in London and began practicing as an ophthalmologist.
1893- He killed the character of Sherlock Holmes in the story The Final Problem.
1900- He next wrote The Great Boer War in 1900.
1902- He was elected for Knighthood in 1902 and was made Deputy-Lieutenant of Surrey.
1906- Louisa Hawkins died of Tuberculosis on 4 July.
1907- Arthur married Jean Elizabeth Leckie.
1909- The Crime of the Congo, another pamphlet was published.
1912- He wrote his masterpiece The Lost World.
1927- The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes, one of his last books, was published in 1927.
1930- Arthur Conan Doyle died of heart attack on 7 July.
1940- His second wife Jean died on 27 June.
Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu
Famous as Poet and Freedom Fighter
Born on 13 February 1879
Born in Hyderabad, India
Died on 02 March 1949
Nationality India
Works & Achievements First Indian woman president of Indian National Congress and first woman to be appointed Governor of any state in India
Sarojini Naidu, also known as Sarojini Chattopadhyaya, was a famous Indian poet and a major freedom fighter who went on becoming the first Indian woman to be appointed the president of the Indian National Congress and the Governor of any state in India. Most of all, she was a noted child prodigy and a master of the children's literature. Naidu was given a sobriquet Bharat Kokila (The Nightingale of India) on account of her beautiful poems and songs. Some of her best books that established her as a potent writer include The Golden Threshold, The Gift of India, and The Broken Wing. An active participant of the Indian Independence movement, Naidu joined the national movement taking Gandhi's call and joined him in the popular Salt March to Dandi. With the Indian Independence in 1947, Sarojini Naidu was made the Governor of the Uttar Pradesh in the wake of her contribution to the movement.
Childhood & Family
Sarojini Naidu was born on 13 February 1879 in Hyderabad, India to the scientist, philosopher and a politieducator Aghornath Chattopadhyaya and Barada Sundari Devi. She was the eldest daughter of her parents. A political activist, her father was a co founder of the Nizam College and the first member of the India National Congress in Hyderabad. Chattopadhyaya was removed from his position as a penalty for his active participation in Indian Independence movement.
Virendranath Chattopadhyaya, Sarojini's brother, was a political activist who played a key role in establishing the Berlin Committee and was influenced by Communism. He was allegedly killed by the Russian troops in 1937. Sarojini's second brother Harindranath Chattopadhyaya was a noted poet and playwright.
Education, Marriage & Children
A brilliant student, Sarojini won appreciation and fame by being selected in Madras University at just 12. In 1895, she went on to study at King's College in London and later at Girton College, Cambridge University. She developed a liking and passion for reading and writing poems whilst still in college where she became proficient in many languages including Urdu, English, Persian, Telugu and Bengali.
Whilst still in college, Sarojini met Dr. Muthyala Govindarajulu Naidu and both grew closer by the end of her college. Upon finishing her studied at age 19, she married him in 1898 during a period when inter-caste were marriages were rare and considered a crime in the Indian society. Nonetheless, the successful marriage of the couple prevented people from intervening into their personal life and taking it onto another stage.
The couple had four children; Jayasurya, Padmaja, Randheer and Leelamani. Her daughter Padmaja followed in to her footprints and became the Governor of West Bengal. In 1961, she published a collection of poems entitled The Feather of The Dawn.
Indian Independence Movement
Sarojini Naidu had many credits to her, including a notable contribution to the Indian Independence Movement. She joined the movement at the rear of Bengal partition in 1905 and since then, she stuck to her commitment to the cause. While working for the Indian National Congress, she was introduced to many eminent personalities such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi with whom she shared a special bond and a very good rapport.
During 1915-1918, she traveled across the India lecturing on social welfare, women empowerment, emancipation and nationalism. Inspired by Jawaharlal Nehru, she embarked on providing help and support for the indigo workers in Champaran who were being subjected to violence and oppression. In 1925, Naidu was appointed the President of the National Congress thus making her the first Indian women to hold the post.
With the introduction of the Rowlett Act in 1919, Sarojini joined the Non-Cooperation Movement organized and led by Mahatma Gandhi. In the same year, she was appointed the Home Rule League's ambassador to England. In 1924, she became a delegate to the East African Indian Congress.
Sarojini Naidu as poet
The Nightingale of India, Sarojini Naidu was a prolific writer and poet. The first volume of her poetries The Golden Threshold was published in 1905, after which two more collections The Bird of Time and The Broken Wing arrived in 1912 and 1917 respectively. Meanwhile in 1916, she authored and published a biography of Muhammad Ali Jinnah entitled as The Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity. Other acclaimed poems that came following are The Wizard Mask and A Treasury of Poems. Other selected works written by her include The Magic Tree and The Gift of India. She was given the name Bharat Kokila on account of the beautiful and rhythmic words of her poems that could be sung as well.
Later Life & Death
In her last years, Sarojini actively participated in the freedom movement and was a part of the Round Table summit held in 1931. In 1942, she was arrested along with Mahatma Gandhi for her involvement in the Quit India movement and was jailed for almost 2 years. After her release from the jail, she presided over the Steering Committee at the Asian Relations Conference. With the independence of India in 1947, Sarojini Naidu was made the Governor of the Uttar Pradesh in the wake of her contribution to the movement. She was the first woman to become the governor of a state. She died of a heart attack while working in her office on 2 March 1949.
Timeline:
1879- Sarojini Naidu was born on 13 February.
1895- She went on to study at King's College in London.
1898- Sarojini married Dr. Muthyala Govindarajulu.
1905- The first volume of her poetries The Golden Threshold was published.
1916- She published a biography of Muhammad Ali Jinnah entitled as The Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity.
1919- Rowlett Act was introduced.
1924- She became a delegate to the East African Indian Congress.
1925- Naidu was appointed the President of the National Congress.
1942- she was arrested along with Mahatma Gandhi for her involvement in the Quit India movement.
1947- Sarojini Naidu was made the Governor of the Uttar Pradesh.
1949-She died of a heart attack on 2 March.
1961- Her daughter Padma published a collection of poems entitled The Feather of The Dawn.
Famous as Poet and Freedom Fighter
Born on 13 February 1879
Born in Hyderabad, India
Died on 02 March 1949
Nationality India
Works & Achievements First Indian woman president of Indian National Congress and first woman to be appointed Governor of any state in India
Sarojini Naidu, also known as Sarojini Chattopadhyaya, was a famous Indian poet and a major freedom fighter who went on becoming the first Indian woman to be appointed the president of the Indian National Congress and the Governor of any state in India. Most of all, she was a noted child prodigy and a master of the children's literature. Naidu was given a sobriquet Bharat Kokila (The Nightingale of India) on account of her beautiful poems and songs. Some of her best books that established her as a potent writer include The Golden Threshold, The Gift of India, and The Broken Wing. An active participant of the Indian Independence movement, Naidu joined the national movement taking Gandhi's call and joined him in the popular Salt March to Dandi. With the Indian Independence in 1947, Sarojini Naidu was made the Governor of the Uttar Pradesh in the wake of her contribution to the movement.
Childhood & Family
Sarojini Naidu was born on 13 February 1879 in Hyderabad, India to the scientist, philosopher and a politieducator Aghornath Chattopadhyaya and Barada Sundari Devi. She was the eldest daughter of her parents. A political activist, her father was a co founder of the Nizam College and the first member of the India National Congress in Hyderabad. Chattopadhyaya was removed from his position as a penalty for his active participation in Indian Independence movement.
Virendranath Chattopadhyaya, Sarojini's brother, was a political activist who played a key role in establishing the Berlin Committee and was influenced by Communism. He was allegedly killed by the Russian troops in 1937. Sarojini's second brother Harindranath Chattopadhyaya was a noted poet and playwright.
Education, Marriage & Children
A brilliant student, Sarojini won appreciation and fame by being selected in Madras University at just 12. In 1895, she went on to study at King's College in London and later at Girton College, Cambridge University. She developed a liking and passion for reading and writing poems whilst still in college where she became proficient in many languages including Urdu, English, Persian, Telugu and Bengali.
Whilst still in college, Sarojini met Dr. Muthyala Govindarajulu Naidu and both grew closer by the end of her college. Upon finishing her studied at age 19, she married him in 1898 during a period when inter-caste were marriages were rare and considered a crime in the Indian society. Nonetheless, the successful marriage of the couple prevented people from intervening into their personal life and taking it onto another stage.
The couple had four children; Jayasurya, Padmaja, Randheer and Leelamani. Her daughter Padmaja followed in to her footprints and became the Governor of West Bengal. In 1961, she published a collection of poems entitled The Feather of The Dawn.
Indian Independence Movement
Sarojini Naidu had many credits to her, including a notable contribution to the Indian Independence Movement. She joined the movement at the rear of Bengal partition in 1905 and since then, she stuck to her commitment to the cause. While working for the Indian National Congress, she was introduced to many eminent personalities such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi with whom she shared a special bond and a very good rapport.
During 1915-1918, she traveled across the India lecturing on social welfare, women empowerment, emancipation and nationalism. Inspired by Jawaharlal Nehru, she embarked on providing help and support for the indigo workers in Champaran who were being subjected to violence and oppression. In 1925, Naidu was appointed the President of the National Congress thus making her the first Indian women to hold the post.
With the introduction of the Rowlett Act in 1919, Sarojini joined the Non-Cooperation Movement organized and led by Mahatma Gandhi. In the same year, she was appointed the Home Rule League's ambassador to England. In 1924, she became a delegate to the East African Indian Congress.
Sarojini Naidu as poet
The Nightingale of India, Sarojini Naidu was a prolific writer and poet. The first volume of her poetries The Golden Threshold was published in 1905, after which two more collections The Bird of Time and The Broken Wing arrived in 1912 and 1917 respectively. Meanwhile in 1916, she authored and published a biography of Muhammad Ali Jinnah entitled as The Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity. Other acclaimed poems that came following are The Wizard Mask and A Treasury of Poems. Other selected works written by her include The Magic Tree and The Gift of India. She was given the name Bharat Kokila on account of the beautiful and rhythmic words of her poems that could be sung as well.
Later Life & Death
In her last years, Sarojini actively participated in the freedom movement and was a part of the Round Table summit held in 1931. In 1942, she was arrested along with Mahatma Gandhi for her involvement in the Quit India movement and was jailed for almost 2 years. After her release from the jail, she presided over the Steering Committee at the Asian Relations Conference. With the independence of India in 1947, Sarojini Naidu was made the Governor of the Uttar Pradesh in the wake of her contribution to the movement. She was the first woman to become the governor of a state. She died of a heart attack while working in her office on 2 March 1949.
Timeline:
1879- Sarojini Naidu was born on 13 February.
1895- She went on to study at King's College in London.
1898- Sarojini married Dr. Muthyala Govindarajulu.
1905- The first volume of her poetries The Golden Threshold was published.
1916- She published a biography of Muhammad Ali Jinnah entitled as The Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity.
1919- Rowlett Act was introduced.
1924- She became a delegate to the East African Indian Congress.
1925- Naidu was appointed the President of the National Congress.
1942- she was arrested along with Mahatma Gandhi for her involvement in the Quit India movement.
1947- Sarojini Naidu was made the Governor of the Uttar Pradesh.
1949-She died of a heart attack on 2 March.
1961- Her daughter Padma published a collection of poems entitled The Feather of The Dawn.
Samuel Coleridge
Samuel Coleridge
Famous as Poet and Philosopher
Born on 21 October 1772
Born in Devon, England
Died on 25 July 1834
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements Lyrical Ballads, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, critic and philosopher who along with William Wordsworth laid the foundation for English Romantic Movement. Lyrical Ballads, his one of the most acclaimed works in this genre, was a joint effort of the great poet William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge with whom he had a close friendship. Other notable creations that became his masterpieces are The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan in addition to his well known prose works Biographia Literaria. A few conversational poems written by Samuel Coleridge are This Lime-Tree Bower My Prison, Frost at Midnight and The Nightingale. He was also one of the Lake Poets. In 1809, Coleridge successfully set up and ran a weekly journal entitled The Friend which gained him praise and respect as a publisher. Coleridge apparently became badly addicted to drugs and eventually died of a lung disorder on 25 July 1834.
Childhood & Early Life
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born on 21 October 1772 in Devon, England and was the youngest of ten children born to John Coleridge who was a venerated vicar and an Anglican priest. As a child, Samuel was often targeted and humiliated by his elder brother Frank, and after his father's death in 1781, he was sent to Christ Hospital School where he spent a lonely and sometimes turbulent time. In a tarnished place and away from his family, Samuel developed a liking for seclusion and took refuge in his school library.
The isolation he was subjected to damaged him emotionally from which he never recovered even as an adult. Throughout his school life, he was never invited home by his mother, who apparently was partial and aloof to him. In 1791, Coleridge enrolled in to Jesus College, Cambridge and studied there till 1794 except for a brief period when he went to join Army in 1793. However, he soon returned and was readmitted in the college. In the same year 1794, he was awarded the Browne Gold Medal for a poetry he wrote on 'Slave Trade'.
Early Life & Marriage
Whilst still at the University, Samuel became influenced with the ideas of the poet Robert Southey and the two embarked on founding an organization 'pantisocracy' though the plan never materialized. In 1795, he married a girl Sara Flicker whom he never loved and eventually divorced her. In the same year he came in contact with the world famous poet William Wordsworth and the two became friends at first instance. William Wordsworth would become a great influence and inspiration for his literary work in future.
During the year 1797-1798, Coleridge lived in Nether Stowey, Somerset and was often visited by William Wordsworth who was captivated by the beautiful surroundings of the place. Whilst there, Coleridge produced two masterpieces that would meet great success- The Rime of The Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan. A few conversational poems written during this period are This Lime-Tree Bower My Prison, Frost at Midnight and The Nightingale.
In 1798, Coleridge and Wordsworth published the much praised Lyrical Ballads- a collection of English romantic poetries. It was the success of the volume that laid the foundation for the English Romantic Movement and catapulted them into the front row of world renowned poets in the English literature. In 1799, they both met Thomas Hutchinson whose daughter Sara would become his inspiration to write a ballad-poem called Love. Sara's sister Mary Hutchinson would marry Wordsworth in 1802.
Drugs Addiction
Around the year 1796, Samuel first started taking drugs like Laudanum as treatment for his toothache and other ailment which turned into addiction after he became increasingly dependent on it. It is purportedly said that he used drugs as a remedy for his reducing stamina and a substitute to his youth energy. However, there are no substantial proofs for these speculations. Whatever the reason was, his addiction to opium started eating his life and he ended up alien ting from his wife in 1808 or even the worse, falling out with his long time friend William Wordsworth in 1810.
Later Life & Death
In 1809, Coleridge embarked upon the publication of a weekly journal titled The Friend. The journal made a slow progress initially and soon it was touching the sky of success. It ranked among 'few original and thoughtful journals' of the day with Coleridge's assorted knowledge of law, morals, politics and literary criticism.
Towards the last years of his life, Coleridge's drugs addiction became worsen affecting his morality and work. Now divorced and estranged from the family, he took shelter in the residence of his doctor, where he was visited by several writers. The constant use of opium began to take toll on his life that finally ended on 25 July 1834, when he died of a lung disorder. Sibylline Leaves (1820), Aids to Reflection (1823), and Church and State (1826) were written during his last days in Highgate.
Timeline:
1772- Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born on 21 October 1772.
1781- He was sent to Christ Hospital School.
1791- Coleridge enrolled in to Jesus College.
1793- He went to join Army in 1793.
1794- He was awarded the Browne Gold Medal.
1795- Coleridge married a girl Sara Flicker.
1798- Coleridge and Wordsworth, published the much praised Lyrical Ballads.
1809- Coleridge embarked upon the publication of a weekly journal titled The Friend.
1834- Coleridge died on 25 July 1834.
Famous as Poet and Philosopher
Born on 21 October 1772
Born in Devon, England
Died on 25 July 1834
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements Lyrical Ballads, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, critic and philosopher who along with William Wordsworth laid the foundation for English Romantic Movement. Lyrical Ballads, his one of the most acclaimed works in this genre, was a joint effort of the great poet William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge with whom he had a close friendship. Other notable creations that became his masterpieces are The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan in addition to his well known prose works Biographia Literaria. A few conversational poems written by Samuel Coleridge are This Lime-Tree Bower My Prison, Frost at Midnight and The Nightingale. He was also one of the Lake Poets. In 1809, Coleridge successfully set up and ran a weekly journal entitled The Friend which gained him praise and respect as a publisher. Coleridge apparently became badly addicted to drugs and eventually died of a lung disorder on 25 July 1834.
Childhood & Early Life
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born on 21 October 1772 in Devon, England and was the youngest of ten children born to John Coleridge who was a venerated vicar and an Anglican priest. As a child, Samuel was often targeted and humiliated by his elder brother Frank, and after his father's death in 1781, he was sent to Christ Hospital School where he spent a lonely and sometimes turbulent time. In a tarnished place and away from his family, Samuel developed a liking for seclusion and took refuge in his school library.
The isolation he was subjected to damaged him emotionally from which he never recovered even as an adult. Throughout his school life, he was never invited home by his mother, who apparently was partial and aloof to him. In 1791, Coleridge enrolled in to Jesus College, Cambridge and studied there till 1794 except for a brief period when he went to join Army in 1793. However, he soon returned and was readmitted in the college. In the same year 1794, he was awarded the Browne Gold Medal for a poetry he wrote on 'Slave Trade'.
Early Life & Marriage
Whilst still at the University, Samuel became influenced with the ideas of the poet Robert Southey and the two embarked on founding an organization 'pantisocracy' though the plan never materialized. In 1795, he married a girl Sara Flicker whom he never loved and eventually divorced her. In the same year he came in contact with the world famous poet William Wordsworth and the two became friends at first instance. William Wordsworth would become a great influence and inspiration for his literary work in future.
During the year 1797-1798, Coleridge lived in Nether Stowey, Somerset and was often visited by William Wordsworth who was captivated by the beautiful surroundings of the place. Whilst there, Coleridge produced two masterpieces that would meet great success- The Rime of The Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan. A few conversational poems written during this period are This Lime-Tree Bower My Prison, Frost at Midnight and The Nightingale.
In 1798, Coleridge and Wordsworth published the much praised Lyrical Ballads- a collection of English romantic poetries. It was the success of the volume that laid the foundation for the English Romantic Movement and catapulted them into the front row of world renowned poets in the English literature. In 1799, they both met Thomas Hutchinson whose daughter Sara would become his inspiration to write a ballad-poem called Love. Sara's sister Mary Hutchinson would marry Wordsworth in 1802.
Drugs Addiction
Around the year 1796, Samuel first started taking drugs like Laudanum as treatment for his toothache and other ailment which turned into addiction after he became increasingly dependent on it. It is purportedly said that he used drugs as a remedy for his reducing stamina and a substitute to his youth energy. However, there are no substantial proofs for these speculations. Whatever the reason was, his addiction to opium started eating his life and he ended up alien ting from his wife in 1808 or even the worse, falling out with his long time friend William Wordsworth in 1810.
Later Life & Death
In 1809, Coleridge embarked upon the publication of a weekly journal titled The Friend. The journal made a slow progress initially and soon it was touching the sky of success. It ranked among 'few original and thoughtful journals' of the day with Coleridge's assorted knowledge of law, morals, politics and literary criticism.
Towards the last years of his life, Coleridge's drugs addiction became worsen affecting his morality and work. Now divorced and estranged from the family, he took shelter in the residence of his doctor, where he was visited by several writers. The constant use of opium began to take toll on his life that finally ended on 25 July 1834, when he died of a lung disorder. Sibylline Leaves (1820), Aids to Reflection (1823), and Church and State (1826) were written during his last days in Highgate.
Timeline:
1772- Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born on 21 October 1772.
1781- He was sent to Christ Hospital School.
1791- Coleridge enrolled in to Jesus College.
1793- He went to join Army in 1793.
1794- He was awarded the Browne Gold Medal.
1795- Coleridge married a girl Sara Flicker.
1798- Coleridge and Wordsworth, published the much praised Lyrical Ballads.
1809- Coleridge embarked upon the publication of a weekly journal titled The Friend.
1834- Coleridge died on 25 July 1834.
Rumi
Rumi
Famous as Great Poet
Born on 30 September 1207
Born in Balkh (in present-day Afghanistan)
Nationality Iran (islamic Republic Of)
Works & Achievements "Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi" (collection of ghazals) and "Mathnawi" (compilation of six volumes of poetry) are the popular works of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi.
Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi was a 13th century Persian poet, an Islamic dervish and a Sufi mystic. He is regarded as one of the greatest spiritual masters and poetical intellects. Born in 1207 AD, he belonged to a family of learned theologians. He made use of everyday life's circumstances to describe the spiritual world. Rumi's poems have acquired immense popularity, especially among the Persian speakers of Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan. Numerous poems written by the great poet have been translated to different languages.
Childhood
Jalaluddin Rumi was born on September 30, 1207, in Balkh (in present-day Afghanistan). His father, Bahaduddin Walad, was a theologian, jurist and a mystic, while his mother was Mumina Khatun. When Mongols invaded Central Asia, between 1215 and 1220, Rumi left Balkh with his family and a group of disciples. The migrating caravan traveled extensively in Muslim lands, including Baghdad, Damascus, Malatya, Erzincan, Sivas, Kayseri and Nigde. After performing pilgrimage in Mecca, they eventually settled in Konya, located in the present-day western Turkey. At that time, Rumi’s father was an Islamic theologian, a teacher and a preacher.
Career
Rumi was a disciple of Sayyed Burhan ud-Din Muhaqqiq Termazi, one of his father’s students. Under the guidance of Sayyed Termazi, he practiced Sufism and acquired a lot of knowledge about spiritual matters and secrets of the spirit world. After the demise of Bahaduddin, in 1231 AD, Rumi inherited his father’s position and became a prominent religious teacher. He preached in the mosques of Konya. By the time Rumi reached the age of 24, he had proven himself as a well-informed scholar in the field of religious science.
Turning Point Of Rumi’s Life
Rumi was already a teacher and a theologian, when in 1244 AD he came across a wandering dervish named Shamsuddin of Tabriz. The meeting proved to be a turning point in his life. Shamsuddin and Rumi became very close friends. Shams went to Damascus, were he was allegedly killed by the students of Rumi who were resentful of their close relationship. Rumi expressed his love for Shamsuddin and grief at his death, through music, dance and poems.
For nearly ten years after meeting Shamsuddin, Rumi devoted himself in writing ghazals. He made a compilation of ghazals and named it Diwan-e-Kabir or Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi. Thereafter, Rumi encountered a goldsmith - Salaud-Din-e Zarkub - whom he made his companion. When Salaud-Din-e Zarkub died, Rumi befriended one of his favorite disciples named Hussam-e Chalabi. Rumi spent most of the later years of his life in Anatolia, where he finished six volumes of his masterwork, the Masnavi.
Popular Works
• Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi: Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi (or Diwan-e-Kabir) is one of the masterpieces of Rumi. It is a collection of ghazals named in the honor of dervish Shamsuddin, who was Rumi’s great friend and inspiration. It also contains an assortment of poems arranged according to the rhyming scheme. Diwan-e-Kabir has been written in ‘Dari’ dialect. It is regarded as one of the greatest works of Persian literature.
• Mathnawi: Mathnawi is a compilation of six volumes of poetry, written in a didactic style. The poems are intended to inform, instruct as well as entertain the reader. It is believed that Rumi started the work of Mathnawi at the suggestion of his then companion, Husam al-Din Chalabin. Mathnawi attempts to explain the various facets of spiritual life.
Legacy
Rumi’s popularity has gone beyond national and ethnic borders. He is considered to be one of the classical poets, by the speakers of Persian language in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. For many years, he had a great influence on Turkish literature. The popularity of his works inspired many artists, including Mohammad Reza Shajarian (Iran), Shahram Nazeri (Iran), Davood Azad (Iran) and Ustad Mohammad Hashem Cheshti (Afghanistan), to give classical interpretation for his poems. Rumi’s works have been translated to many languages across the world, including Russian, German, Urdu, Turkish, Arabic, French, Italian and Spanish.
Death
Rumi departed from the world on 17th December 1273 AD, in Konya, within the Seljuk Empire's territory (currently it's within Turkey). He was buried beside his father in Konya. A tomb named Mevlana mausoleum was built in Konya, commemorating the great Sufi poet. It consists of a mosque, dervish living quarters and a dance hall. The sacred site is visited by his admirers coming from different parts of the world.
Famous as Great Poet
Born on 30 September 1207
Born in Balkh (in present-day Afghanistan)
Nationality Iran (islamic Republic Of)
Works & Achievements "Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi" (collection of ghazals) and "Mathnawi" (compilation of six volumes of poetry) are the popular works of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi.
Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi was a 13th century Persian poet, an Islamic dervish and a Sufi mystic. He is regarded as one of the greatest spiritual masters and poetical intellects. Born in 1207 AD, he belonged to a family of learned theologians. He made use of everyday life's circumstances to describe the spiritual world. Rumi's poems have acquired immense popularity, especially among the Persian speakers of Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan. Numerous poems written by the great poet have been translated to different languages.
Childhood
Jalaluddin Rumi was born on September 30, 1207, in Balkh (in present-day Afghanistan). His father, Bahaduddin Walad, was a theologian, jurist and a mystic, while his mother was Mumina Khatun. When Mongols invaded Central Asia, between 1215 and 1220, Rumi left Balkh with his family and a group of disciples. The migrating caravan traveled extensively in Muslim lands, including Baghdad, Damascus, Malatya, Erzincan, Sivas, Kayseri and Nigde. After performing pilgrimage in Mecca, they eventually settled in Konya, located in the present-day western Turkey. At that time, Rumi’s father was an Islamic theologian, a teacher and a preacher.
Career
Rumi was a disciple of Sayyed Burhan ud-Din Muhaqqiq Termazi, one of his father’s students. Under the guidance of Sayyed Termazi, he practiced Sufism and acquired a lot of knowledge about spiritual matters and secrets of the spirit world. After the demise of Bahaduddin, in 1231 AD, Rumi inherited his father’s position and became a prominent religious teacher. He preached in the mosques of Konya. By the time Rumi reached the age of 24, he had proven himself as a well-informed scholar in the field of religious science.
Turning Point Of Rumi’s Life
Rumi was already a teacher and a theologian, when in 1244 AD he came across a wandering dervish named Shamsuddin of Tabriz. The meeting proved to be a turning point in his life. Shamsuddin and Rumi became very close friends. Shams went to Damascus, were he was allegedly killed by the students of Rumi who were resentful of their close relationship. Rumi expressed his love for Shamsuddin and grief at his death, through music, dance and poems.
For nearly ten years after meeting Shamsuddin, Rumi devoted himself in writing ghazals. He made a compilation of ghazals and named it Diwan-e-Kabir or Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi. Thereafter, Rumi encountered a goldsmith - Salaud-Din-e Zarkub - whom he made his companion. When Salaud-Din-e Zarkub died, Rumi befriended one of his favorite disciples named Hussam-e Chalabi. Rumi spent most of the later years of his life in Anatolia, where he finished six volumes of his masterwork, the Masnavi.
Popular Works
• Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi: Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi (or Diwan-e-Kabir) is one of the masterpieces of Rumi. It is a collection of ghazals named in the honor of dervish Shamsuddin, who was Rumi’s great friend and inspiration. It also contains an assortment of poems arranged according to the rhyming scheme. Diwan-e-Kabir has been written in ‘Dari’ dialect. It is regarded as one of the greatest works of Persian literature.
• Mathnawi: Mathnawi is a compilation of six volumes of poetry, written in a didactic style. The poems are intended to inform, instruct as well as entertain the reader. It is believed that Rumi started the work of Mathnawi at the suggestion of his then companion, Husam al-Din Chalabin. Mathnawi attempts to explain the various facets of spiritual life.
Legacy
Rumi’s popularity has gone beyond national and ethnic borders. He is considered to be one of the classical poets, by the speakers of Persian language in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. For many years, he had a great influence on Turkish literature. The popularity of his works inspired many artists, including Mohammad Reza Shajarian (Iran), Shahram Nazeri (Iran), Davood Azad (Iran) and Ustad Mohammad Hashem Cheshti (Afghanistan), to give classical interpretation for his poems. Rumi’s works have been translated to many languages across the world, including Russian, German, Urdu, Turkish, Arabic, French, Italian and Spanish.
Death
Rumi departed from the world on 17th December 1273 AD, in Konya, within the Seljuk Empire's territory (currently it's within Turkey). He was buried beside his father in Konya. A tomb named Mevlana mausoleum was built in Konya, commemorating the great Sufi poet. It consists of a mosque, dervish living quarters and a dance hall. The sacred site is visited by his admirers coming from different parts of the world.
Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling
Famous as Author & Poet
Born on 30 December 1865
Born in Bombay (Mumbai), India
Died on 18 January 1936
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements The Jungle Book, Just So Stories, Kim; Nobel Peace Prize (1907)
Joseph Rudyard Kipling was an English author, journalist and poet who wrote the famous fiction The Jungle Book. Born in the British India, Bombay, he worked in India with a much renowned newspaper The Pioneer, Allahabad before taking up writing as a profession. Best known for his works such as The Jungle Book , Kim and Just So Stories for Little Children, Kipling ranks among the greatest English novelists and authors and regarded as the leader of the art of the short stories. The author has written a number of stories including the famous The Man Who Would Be King and several poems and short stories and contributed greatly in the English literature during the 19th and 20th century. The author received the honorary Nobel Peace Prize in Literature in 1907 and became the first English writer and the youngest recipient to have received the award till this day.
Childhood & Early Life
Joseph Rudyard Kipling was born on 30 December 1865 in Bombay, British India. His father Lockwood Kipling was a sculptor and the head of department of the architectural sculpture at the Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy School of Art and Industry in Bombay. Rudyard's mother Alice Kipling was a lively and cheerful woman. After spending some fabulous years in India, a six year old Kipling was sent to England where they lived with a couple Mr. and Mrs. Holloway as then was the custom for the British nationalists living in India. He was accompanied by his three year old sister Alice.
Those years under the bullying and maltreatment of Mrs. Holloway, were of humiliation, torture and obloquy as he sardonically recalls in his autobiography. However, they received the due love and affection at their maternal Aunt Georgia's home that was denied at Holloway's. The bad days came to an end in 1877, when Alice Kipling returned to England and took them away with her. The next year in 1878, Rudyard was sent to study at the United Service College at Westward Ho in Devon. Due to the financial difficulties of his parents, Rudyard abandoned his dream to study at Oxford and took up a job in Lahore-then a part of India- of an assistant editor in a local newspaper the Civil & Military Gazette.
Writer Career
While in Lahore, Kipling wrote over thirty stories for The Gazette beginning from the year 1886. In 1888, his first prose collection Plain Tales from the Hills was published in Calcutta. In 1887, Kipling became a part of a much renowned newspaper The Pioneer, Allahabad. Whilst working with the paper, Rudyard kept on writing and published six volumes of short stories including In Black and White, Soldiers Three and The Phantom Rickshaw. In 1889, he left the newspaper in response to a fall out with the authorities. He decided to move on to London to make his entry in the literary world there. He left India on 8 March 1889.
Several significant things happened in the next two years of his life, he wrote his first novel, The Light That Failed in 1891, and also met an American author and publishing agent, Wolcott Ballisterwith whom he worked together on a novel, The Naulahka. In the mean time, he also suffered from a nervous breakdown. Due to his continuously deteriorating health, his doctors advised him for a sea voyage, which he eventually embarked on in 1891 with an intention of visiting South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and India once again.However, his plans were cut short on account of the sudden demise of Wolcott Balestier from typhoid fever, and he immediately decided to return to London. Meanwhile, he wrote a collection of short stories about the British India called Life's Handicap which was published in 1891 in London.
Marriage & Children
Before returning to London, he sent a telegram to propose to Wolcott’s sister Caroline (also called Carrie), with whom he had been apparently involved in sporadic romance. On 18 January 1892, Carrie and Rudyard were married in London, The ceremony was held at All Souls Church, Langham Place.
The Kipling couple move to the United States where their first daughter Josephine was born on 29 December 1892. It was after her birth, that he started writing the 'Mowgli stories' which later became known as The Jungle Book and with in the next few years, Rudyard had written a volume of short stories, a novel Captain Courageous and a several number of poetries together with The Seven seas.
In 1896, couple's second daughter Elsie was born. After the British-American crisis broke out in 1895, the couple decided to move out of America where they underwent a series of embitter behavior from the natives. The couple left America for good in 1896.
Back in England, Kipling began to work more actively and fiercely. Recessional and The White Man's Burden his two poems were published in 1897 and 1899 respectively and gave rise to huge controversies that will last for long. In 1897, the couple was overjoyed when their first and only son John Kipling was born in the month of August. However, a tragedy befell the family when their elder daughter died of pneumonia in 1899.
The Road to Success
In 1902, Kipling published another story Just So Stories for Little Children which would become one of his most acclaimed works following the success of Kim. He further wrote two science fictions With the Night Mail and As Easy as A.B.C. which made into print in 1905 and 1912 respectively.
The most active phase of his life was the first decade of 20th century, when he was at the peak of his creative best. For him, 1907 brought along with it the greatest honor of the time, the Noble Prize for Literature. At the award function in Stockholm on 10 December 1907, Kipling became the first English language recipient of this great honor.
After this great accomplishment, came two great poetry and story compendiums: Puck of Pook’s hill and Reward and Fairies which were published in 1906 and 1910 respectively. The latter contained one of the most favorite poems of all times in English literature called “If…” This marvelous poem inciting readers for self-command and phlegm became Kipling’s one of the most famous poetry creation of all the times.
Kipling always remained politically expressive with his creations. He commiserated with the anti-Home Rule stand of the Irish Unionist .He also stroked chords of intellectuality with the Dublin-born leader Edward Carson who raised a potent voice against "Rome Rule” and also publicized his staunch opinion through his creations. Kipling also projected himself as a strong opponent of the Principles of Democratic centralism and Quasi-military discipline through his creations.
Despite his intellectual asset and enormous popularity, he was never made Poet Laureate. Different people quote different reasons behind it, some are of the view that he himself turned down the offer while others are of the opinion that Queen Victoria didn’t approve of him. However, this never came as a hurdle in Kipling’s literary career, he is still regarded as the best author and poet, English Language could ever get.
Later years & Death
Tragedy once again hit the family when his only son John Kipling died in 1915 at the 'battle of Loos'. The untimely death of his son made Rudyard blame himself for his role in getting John in the Army at an early age of 17. The incident made him write a poem "My Boy Jack" in which he deeply mourns for his son cursing and blaming himself.
In year 1922, Kipling was elected the Lord Rector of St Andrews University in Scotland and remained on the position till 1925. Towards the end of his life, Kipling chose to take a backseat with his writing career, though he did not completely abandon it, the output was lesser. He died of a hemorrhage on 18 January 1936 and was cremated at Golden Green Crematorium.
Timeline:
1865- Joseph Rudyard Kipling was born on 30 December 1865.
1878- Rudyard was sent to study at the United Service College at Westward Ho in Devon.
1888- His first prose collection Plain Tales from the Hills was published in Calcutta.
1887- Kipling joined thenewspaper The Pioneer, Allahabad.
1889- He left the newspaper and moved to London.
1891- He wrote his first novel, The Light That Failed in 1891.
1892- Carrie and Rudyard were married.
1892- Their first daughter Josephine was born on 29 December 1892.
1896- Couple's second daughter Elsie was born.
1896- The couple left America for good in 1896.
1897- When their first and only son John Kipling was born.
1899- Their elder daughter died of pneumonia in 1899.
1907- He was awarded the Noble Prize for Literature.
1915- His only son John Kipling died in 1915.
1922- Kipling was elected the Lord Rector of St Andrews University in Scotland.
1936- He died of a hemorrhage on 18 January 1936.
Famous as Author & Poet
Born on 30 December 1865
Born in Bombay (Mumbai), India
Died on 18 January 1936
Nationality United Kingdom
Works & Achievements The Jungle Book, Just So Stories, Kim; Nobel Peace Prize (1907)
Joseph Rudyard Kipling was an English author, journalist and poet who wrote the famous fiction The Jungle Book. Born in the British India, Bombay, he worked in India with a much renowned newspaper The Pioneer, Allahabad before taking up writing as a profession. Best known for his works such as The Jungle Book , Kim and Just So Stories for Little Children, Kipling ranks among the greatest English novelists and authors and regarded as the leader of the art of the short stories. The author has written a number of stories including the famous The Man Who Would Be King and several poems and short stories and contributed greatly in the English literature during the 19th and 20th century. The author received the honorary Nobel Peace Prize in Literature in 1907 and became the first English writer and the youngest recipient to have received the award till this day.
Childhood & Early Life
Joseph Rudyard Kipling was born on 30 December 1865 in Bombay, British India. His father Lockwood Kipling was a sculptor and the head of department of the architectural sculpture at the Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy School of Art and Industry in Bombay. Rudyard's mother Alice Kipling was a lively and cheerful woman. After spending some fabulous years in India, a six year old Kipling was sent to England where they lived with a couple Mr. and Mrs. Holloway as then was the custom for the British nationalists living in India. He was accompanied by his three year old sister Alice.
Those years under the bullying and maltreatment of Mrs. Holloway, were of humiliation, torture and obloquy as he sardonically recalls in his autobiography. However, they received the due love and affection at their maternal Aunt Georgia's home that was denied at Holloway's. The bad days came to an end in 1877, when Alice Kipling returned to England and took them away with her. The next year in 1878, Rudyard was sent to study at the United Service College at Westward Ho in Devon. Due to the financial difficulties of his parents, Rudyard abandoned his dream to study at Oxford and took up a job in Lahore-then a part of India- of an assistant editor in a local newspaper the Civil & Military Gazette.
Writer Career
While in Lahore, Kipling wrote over thirty stories for The Gazette beginning from the year 1886. In 1888, his first prose collection Plain Tales from the Hills was published in Calcutta. In 1887, Kipling became a part of a much renowned newspaper The Pioneer, Allahabad. Whilst working with the paper, Rudyard kept on writing and published six volumes of short stories including In Black and White, Soldiers Three and The Phantom Rickshaw. In 1889, he left the newspaper in response to a fall out with the authorities. He decided to move on to London to make his entry in the literary world there. He left India on 8 March 1889.
Several significant things happened in the next two years of his life, he wrote his first novel, The Light That Failed in 1891, and also met an American author and publishing agent, Wolcott Ballisterwith whom he worked together on a novel, The Naulahka. In the mean time, he also suffered from a nervous breakdown. Due to his continuously deteriorating health, his doctors advised him for a sea voyage, which he eventually embarked on in 1891 with an intention of visiting South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and India once again.However, his plans were cut short on account of the sudden demise of Wolcott Balestier from typhoid fever, and he immediately decided to return to London. Meanwhile, he wrote a collection of short stories about the British India called Life's Handicap which was published in 1891 in London.
Marriage & Children
Before returning to London, he sent a telegram to propose to Wolcott’s sister Caroline (also called Carrie), with whom he had been apparently involved in sporadic romance. On 18 January 1892, Carrie and Rudyard were married in London, The ceremony was held at All Souls Church, Langham Place.
The Kipling couple move to the United States where their first daughter Josephine was born on 29 December 1892. It was after her birth, that he started writing the 'Mowgli stories' which later became known as The Jungle Book and with in the next few years, Rudyard had written a volume of short stories, a novel Captain Courageous and a several number of poetries together with The Seven seas.
In 1896, couple's second daughter Elsie was born. After the British-American crisis broke out in 1895, the couple decided to move out of America where they underwent a series of embitter behavior from the natives. The couple left America for good in 1896.
Back in England, Kipling began to work more actively and fiercely. Recessional and The White Man's Burden his two poems were published in 1897 and 1899 respectively and gave rise to huge controversies that will last for long. In 1897, the couple was overjoyed when their first and only son John Kipling was born in the month of August. However, a tragedy befell the family when their elder daughter died of pneumonia in 1899.
The Road to Success
In 1902, Kipling published another story Just So Stories for Little Children which would become one of his most acclaimed works following the success of Kim. He further wrote two science fictions With the Night Mail and As Easy as A.B.C. which made into print in 1905 and 1912 respectively.
The most active phase of his life was the first decade of 20th century, when he was at the peak of his creative best. For him, 1907 brought along with it the greatest honor of the time, the Noble Prize for Literature. At the award function in Stockholm on 10 December 1907, Kipling became the first English language recipient of this great honor.
After this great accomplishment, came two great poetry and story compendiums: Puck of Pook’s hill and Reward and Fairies which were published in 1906 and 1910 respectively. The latter contained one of the most favorite poems of all times in English literature called “If…” This marvelous poem inciting readers for self-command and phlegm became Kipling’s one of the most famous poetry creation of all the times.
Kipling always remained politically expressive with his creations. He commiserated with the anti-Home Rule stand of the Irish Unionist .He also stroked chords of intellectuality with the Dublin-born leader Edward Carson who raised a potent voice against "Rome Rule” and also publicized his staunch opinion through his creations. Kipling also projected himself as a strong opponent of the Principles of Democratic centralism and Quasi-military discipline through his creations.
Despite his intellectual asset and enormous popularity, he was never made Poet Laureate. Different people quote different reasons behind it, some are of the view that he himself turned down the offer while others are of the opinion that Queen Victoria didn’t approve of him. However, this never came as a hurdle in Kipling’s literary career, he is still regarded as the best author and poet, English Language could ever get.
Later years & Death
Tragedy once again hit the family when his only son John Kipling died in 1915 at the 'battle of Loos'. The untimely death of his son made Rudyard blame himself for his role in getting John in the Army at an early age of 17. The incident made him write a poem "My Boy Jack" in which he deeply mourns for his son cursing and blaming himself.
In year 1922, Kipling was elected the Lord Rector of St Andrews University in Scotland and remained on the position till 1925. Towards the end of his life, Kipling chose to take a backseat with his writing career, though he did not completely abandon it, the output was lesser. He died of a hemorrhage on 18 January 1936 and was cremated at Golden Green Crematorium.
Timeline:
1865- Joseph Rudyard Kipling was born on 30 December 1865.
1878- Rudyard was sent to study at the United Service College at Westward Ho in Devon.
1888- His first prose collection Plain Tales from the Hills was published in Calcutta.
1887- Kipling joined thenewspaper The Pioneer, Allahabad.
1889- He left the newspaper and moved to London.
1891- He wrote his first novel, The Light That Failed in 1891.
1892- Carrie and Rudyard were married.
1892- Their first daughter Josephine was born on 29 December 1892.
1896- Couple's second daughter Elsie was born.
1896- The couple left America for good in 1896.
1897- When their first and only son John Kipling was born.
1899- Their elder daughter died of pneumonia in 1899.
1907- He was awarded the Noble Prize for Literature.
1915- His only son John Kipling died in 1915.
1922- Kipling was elected the Lord Rector of St Andrews University in Scotland.
1936- He died of a hemorrhage on 18 January 1936.
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