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 an English poet and essayist born on January 18, 1840, in Plymouth, Devon, England. Dobson was the son of a civil engineer and pursued a career initially in the British civil service, working for the Board of Trade. Despite his professional commitments, he cultivated a passion for literature and became a distinguished poet, particularly known for his mastery in the art of light verse and the revival of older poetic forms like the rondel and the ballade. Dobson’s literary career took off with the publication of his first collection, “Vignettes in Rhyme” (1873), which established him as a prominent poet of his time. His work was characterized by its elegance, wit, and a keen sense of historical and literary consciousness. He was an admirer of the 18th century, often drawing inspiration from this period, which is evident in his many essays and biographical sketches. Throughout his life, Dobson published numerous collections of poetry and essays, including “Proverbs in Porcelain” (1877) and “Old-World Idylls” (1883). He also contributed extensively to literary magazines and was a respected critic and biographer. His works often reflected a blend of classical and contemporary influences, making him a unique voice in Victorian literature. Dobson’s contributions to literature were not limited to poetry; he was also a notable essayist and biographer, writing acclaimed studies on figures like Horace Walpole and Oliver Goldsmith. His literary achievements were recognized by his peers, and he enjoyed a respected position in literary circles until his death on September 2, 1921, in Ealing, London.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Austin Dobson

1. Henry Austin Dobson is credited with reviving interest in 18th-century literature and culture through his poetry and essays.

2. He worked for the British Board of Trade for over 40 years, balancing his civil service career with his literary pursuits.

3. Dobson was a member of the “Rhymers’ Club,” a group of poets that included W.B. Yeats and Ernest Dowson.

4. He was known for his use of traditional French verse forms, such as the rondel and the ballade, which he helped popularize in English literature.

5. Dobson was a skilled biographer, with notable works including biographies of Thomas Bewick and Richard Steele.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Austin Dobson

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

2. “A man who dedicates his life to poetry is a fool, but perhaps a blessed fool.”

3. “The end crowns all; and that old common arbitrator, Time, will one day end it.”

4. “The art of life, the art of literature, is to live well and to write well.”

5. “The true function of the poet is to give immediate pleasure and lasting wisdom.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry Austin Dobson was primarily a civil servant and poet, and while exact figures of his net worth are not documented, his highest net worth is estimated to have been modest, as he did not accumulate substantial wealth from his literary pursuits.

Children

Henry Austin Dobson had ten children with his wife Frances (née Mapleton). Their family life was described as harmonious, and his children often appeared in his personal writings and correspondence.