Algernon Charles Swinburne

Date of Birth: April 5, 1837

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: April 10, 1909

Biography

Algernon Charles Swinburne was a prominent English poet, playwright, novelist, and critic, known for his innovative and often controversial writing style. Born on April 5, 1837, in London, England, Swinburne grew up in a family with strong literary and aristocratic connections. He attended Eton College and later Balliol College, Oxford, where his rebellious spirit and distinctive poetic voice began to take shape. Swinburne’s early works, such as “Atalanta in Calydon” (1865) and “Poems and Ballads” (1866), established him as a daring and talented poet who challenged Victorian norms with his explorations of taboo subjects, including paganism, sadomasochism, and anti-establishment themes. His lyrical mastery and innovative use of meter and rhyme garnered both praise and criticism from his contemporaries. Despite his literary success, Swinburne’s personal life was marked by struggles with alcoholism and poor health. He formed a close friendship with the painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti and other members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, who provided him with support during his turbulent years. In 1879, Swinburne moved to the home of his friend and literary agent, Theodore Watts-Dunton, in Putney, London. Watts-Dunton’s care and guidance helped Swinburne regain his health and continue writing. Swinburne’s later works, including “A Midsummer Holiday and Other Poems” (1884) and “Tristram of Lyonesse” (1882), reflect a more subdued and reflective tone compared to his earlier, more provocative works. Swinburne passed away on April 10, 1909, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence poets and writers to this day.

5 Interesting Facts about Algernon Charles Swinburne

1. Swinburne was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times but never won.

2. He was an outspoken atheist and often incorporated anti-religious themes into his work.

3. Swinburne was a member of the controversial literary group known as the “Decadents.”

4. He was fluent in both French and Italian and often translated works from these languages.

5. Swinburne was deeply influenced by the works of Percy Bysshe Shelley and dedicated several poems to him.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Algernon Charles Swinburne

1. “When the hounds of spring are on winter’s traces, the mother of months in meadow or plain fills the shadows and windy places with lisp of leaves and ripple of rain.”

2. “A little soul for a little bear, a little will for a little share, a little doubt for a little trust, a little dust for a little dust.”

3. “From too much love of living, from hope and fear set free, we thank with brief thanksgiving whatever gods may be that no life lives forever; that dead men rise up never; that even the weariest river winds somewhere safe to sea.”

4. “For winter’s rains and ruins are over, and all the season of snows and sins; the days dividing lover and lover, the light that loses, the night that wins.”

5. “I am tired of tears and laughter, and men that laugh and weep; of what may come hereafter, for men that sow to reap: I am weary of days and hours, blown buds of barren flowers, desires and dreams and powers and everything but sleep.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures for Swinburne’s net worth are not available, it is known that he came from a wealthy family and was financially supported by his friend Theodore Watts-Dunton later in life.