Edith Sitwell

Date of Birth: September 7, 1887

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: December 9, 1964

Biography

Edith Sitwell was a prominent English poet and critic, born on September 7, 1887, in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England. She was the eldest of three siblings, all of whom would later become significant literary figures. Sitwell’s early life was marked by a tumultuous relationship with her parents, particularly her mother, Lady Ida Sitwell. Despite these challenges, she found solace in literature and began writing poetry at a young age. Her first major publication was “The Mother and Other Poems” in 1915. Sitwell’s work is often characterized by its experimental style and her keen interest in the sounds and rhythms of language. She gained widespread recognition with her 1922 poem “Façade,” a series of poems set to music by composer William Walton. The performance was avant-garde and controversial, but it cemented her reputation as a leading figure in modernist poetry. Throughout her career, Sitwell was known for her sharp wit, distinctive style, and her elaborate and eccentric public persona. She published numerous volumes of poetry and literary criticism and was a fervent advocate of her contemporaries, including Wilfred Owen and Dylan Thomas. Sitwell was also a vocal critic of the societal norms of her time, often using her work to challenge and provoke. In her later years, Sitwell continued to write and lecture, maintaining her status as a literary icon until her death. She passed away on December 9, 1964, in London, England.

5 Interesting Facts about Edith Sitwell

1. Edith Sitwell was known for her flamboyant and eccentric fashion sense, often wearing elaborate gowns and headdresses.

2. She was a vocal critic of the Nazi regime during World War II and used her poetry to support the war effort.

3. Sitwell’s home in London was bombed during the Blitz, but she continued to write and support other artists throughout the war.

4. She collaborated with composer William Walton on “Façade,” a groundbreaking work that combined poetry with music.

5. Sitwell was the first woman to receive the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature in 1953.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edith Sitwell

1. “My poems are hymns of praise to the glory of life.”

2. “Good taste is the worst vice ever invented.”

3. “Eccentricity is not, as dull people would have us believe, a form of madness. It is often a kind of innocent pride.”

4. “Poetry is the deification of reality.”

5. “I am patient with stupidity but not with those who are proud of it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Edith Sitwell’s net worth was never publicly documented, but as a prominent poet and critic, she achieved significant literary success and recognition during her lifetime.