John Masefield

John Masefield Biography

John Edward Masefield (June 1, 1878 – May 12, 1967) was an English poet, novelist, and playwright, best known for his sea-themed poetry and his long tenure as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. Born in Ledbury, Herefordshire, Masefield was orphaned in childhood and raised by his aunt. His early education at the King's School in Warwick was followed by training aboard the HMS Conway to prepare for a naval career. However, his passion for reading and writing led him to abandon seafaring in favor of a literary life.

Masefield's experiences at sea profoundly influenced his writing, inspiring works such as Salt-Water Ballads (1902), which includes the famous poem "Sea-Fever." His narrative poems, including The Everlasting Mercy (1911) and Dauber (1913), were notable for their use of colloquial language and vivid storytelling, earning him critical acclaim.

In addition to poetry, Masefield wrote novels and plays. His children's novels, The Midnight Folk (1927) and The Box of Delights (1935), are considered classics of English children's literature. In 1930, he was appointed Poet Laureate, a position he held until his death in 1967, making him one of the longest-serving laureates in British history.

Masefield's contributions to literature were recognized with numerous honors, including the Order of Merit in 1935. He passed away on May 12, 1967, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry and prose that continues to be celebrated.

Trivia About John Masefield

• Masefield's poem "Sea-Fever" begins with the famous line, "I must go down to the seas again."
• He worked in a carpet factory in Yonkers, New York, during his early years in the United States.
• Masefield was awarded the Shakespeare Prize in 1938 for his contributions to literature.
• He served as Poet Laureate for 37 years, one of the longest tenures in history.

Famous Quotes by John Masefield

• "In this life he laughs longest who laughs last."
• "The days that make us happy make us wise."
• "I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was John Masefield?

John Masefield was an English poet, novelist, and playwright, renowned for his sea-themed poetry and children's novels. He served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1930 until his death in 1967.

What are some of John Masefield's most famous works?

Some of Masefield's most famous works include the poems "Sea-Fever" and "Cargoes," as well as the children's novels The Midnight Folk and The Box of Delights.

How did John Masefield's early life influence his writing?

Masefield's early experiences at sea and his time working in the United States provided rich material for his poetry and prose, particularly his vivid descriptions of maritime life.

Related Literary Movements

John Masefield's work is associated with the Georgian poetry movement, characterized by its focus on rural subject matter and traditional verse forms. His narrative style and use of colloquial language also align him with literary realism.

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