Masefield, John, 1878-1967

The English poet, playwright and novelist John Masefield was born in 1878 in Ledbury. After running away to sea early (when he was thirteen) he settled in London from 1897 and devoted himself to writing. Later he moved to Oxford which was where he lived when most of the following collection was produced. Masefield became Poet Laureate in 1930 and was awarded the Order of Merit in 1935. Among his more notable works are some early reflections of his maritime experiences in Salt Water Ballads (1902) and A Mainsail Haul (1905); The Tragedy of Pompey the Great (1910); The Widow in Bye Street (1912); Dauber (1913); Reynard the Fox (1919); Sard Harker (1924); Dead Ned (1938); and Live and Kicking Ned (1939). John Masefield died in 1967.

From the guide to the John Masefield papers MS 323., 1911-1931, (Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University, Houston, TX)

...