Henry Austin Dobson

Date of Birth: January 18, 1840

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: September 2, 1921

Biography

Henry Austin Dobson, commonly known as Austin Dobson, was a prominent English poet and essayist. Born on January 18, 1840, in Plymouth, Devon, England, Dobson was the eldest of ten children. His father, George Clarisse Dobson, was a civil engineer, and his mother, Augusta Norman, was the daughter of a London merchant. Dobson was educated at Beaumaris Grammar School in Anglesey and later at a school in Coventry. He initially pursued a career in civil engineering but eventually joined the Board of Trade in 1856, where he worked until his retirement in 1901. Dobson’s literary career began with his contributions to various magazines and periodicals. His first collection of poetry, “Vignettes in Rhyme,” was published in 1873 and received critical acclaim. He is best known for his use of French forms of verse, such as the rondeau and villanelle, and for his light, humorous, and elegant style. His works often reflect a keen interest in 18th-century literature and culture. In addition to his poetry, Dobson was a respected biographer and essayist, writing extensively on figures such as Oliver Goldsmith and Horace Walpole. He was also an influential literary critic, contributing to the appreciation and understanding of 18th-century English literature. Dobson married Frances Mary Beardmore in 1868, and the couple had ten children. He passed away on September 2, 1921, in Ealing, London, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry and prose that continues to be celebrated today.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Austin Dobson

1. Henry Austin Dobson was one of the first poets to introduce French verse forms like the rondeau and villanelle to English literature.

2. Dobson worked for the Board of Trade for 45 years, balancing his civil service career with his literary pursuits.

3. He was a close friend of several notable literary figures of his time, including Edmund Gosse and Andrew Lang.

4. Dobson’s interest in the 18th century extended beyond literature; he was also an avid collector of 18th-century prints and memorabilia.

5. Despite his success as a poet, Dobson considered himself primarily an essayist and biographer.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Austin Dobson

1. “Time goes, you say? Ah no! Alas, Time stays, we go.”

2. “The world is full of hopeful analogies and handsome, dubious eggs, called possibilities.”

3. “I intended an Ode, And it turned to a Sonnet.”

4. “All passes. Art alone Enduring stays to us; The bust outlasts the throne,— The coin, Tiberius.”

5. “He who seeks for gain, must be at some expense.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry Austin Dobson’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a civil servant and a respected literary figure of his time, he likely enjoyed a comfortable middle-class lifestyle.

Children

Henry Austin Dobson and his wife, Frances Mary Beardmore, had ten children. Their family life was marked by Dobson’s balancing act between his demanding career at the Board of Trade and his literary endeavors.