Stephen Spender was a pioneering poet and essayist whose work resonated with readers across the globe, offering a unique perspective on life, politics, and art. Born in London on this day February 28, 1909, his literary career spanned over six tumultuous decades, during which he established himself as a central figure in 20th-century English literature. Spender’s poetic contributions are characterized by their keen sense of social and political awareness, while his essays serve as insightful commentary on the human condition and the role of art in society.
Spender’s early life was marked by personal discovery and intellectual exploration, elements that would later define his work. After briefly attending University College Oxford, he left without a degree, choosing instead to travel widely and immerse himself in the vibrant literary circles of the time. This period of his life was transformative, nurturing his talent and shaping his unique poetic voice.
His first collection of poems, titled Twenty Poems, was published in 1930 when he was just 21 years old. Stephen Spender’s poetry often reflected his deep concern for social issues and political ideologies. The Spanish Civil War served as a critical backdrop for some of his most powerful work, including his acclaimed poem “The Pylons”.
As an essayist, Spender’s writings were no less influential. His essays often delve into autobiographical territory, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and the artist’s role in society. His work as an editor also deserves mention; he co-founded the influential literary magazine Horizon with Cyril Connolly in 1939 and served as editor of Encounter from 1953 to 1967.
In recognition of his contributions to literature, Stephen Spender was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1983. His life and works continue to inspire and influence new generations of poets and writers, underscoring his status as one of the great literary figures of the 20th century.
My Parents
My parents kept me from children who were rough
Who threw words like stones and wore torn clothes
Their thighs showed through rags they ran in the street
And climbed cliffs and stripped by the country streams.
I feared more than tigers their muscles like iron
Their jerking hands and their knees tight on my arms
I feared the salt coarse pointing of those boys
Who copied my lisp behind me on the road.
They were lithe they sprang out behind hedges
Like dogs to bark at my world. They threw mud
While I looked the other way, pretending to smile.
I longed to forgive them but they never smiled.
-Stephen Spender, from New Collected Poems
Curated by Jennifer
