W. H. Auden, A Certain World Quotes

A collection of quotes by W. H. Auden, A Certain World.

W. H. Auden was an influential 20th-century English poet born on February 21, 1907, in York, England. He gained significant recognition for his eloquent and thought-provoking poetry, known for its intellectual depth and emotional intensity. Auden's works often explored themes of love, politics, religion, and the human condition.

Auden attended Oxford University, where he initially pursued a scientific career but eventually switched to literature. During his time at Oxford, he became associated with a group of writers known as the "Auden Generation," which included prominent authors such as Christopher Isherwood and Stephen Spender. Auden's early poems, published in the 1930s, established him as a leading figure in the literary world.

Influenced by a variety of poetic and philosophical traditions, Auden's writing style evolved over the course of his career. He developed a distinct voice characterized by a combination of traditional verse forms, colloquial language, and intricate symbolism. Auden's poetry often reflected the anxieties and complexities of the modern world, exploring themes of disillusionment and societal unrest.

Beyond his poetry, Auden also wrote essays, plays, and librettos, and he was highly regarded as a prolific literary critic. He spent a significant portion of his life in the United States, where he became an American citizen. Auden's contributions to literature earned him numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1948.

W. H. Auden died on September 29, 1973, in Vienna, Austria, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy as one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century.