Louis MacNeice

Date of Birth: September 12, 1907

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: September 3, 1963

Biography

Louis MacNeice was an Irish poet and playwright, widely regarded as one of the leading poets of the 20th century. Born on September 12, 1907, in Belfast, Ireland, he spent much of his early life in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. MacNeice’s father was a Church of Ireland rector, which influenced his early experiences and writings. He was educated at Marlborough College and later at Merton College, Oxford, where he developed a close association with contemporaries like W. H. Auden, Stephen Spender, and Cecil Day-Lewis, forming what is often referred to as the “Auden Group.” MacNeice’s poetry is characterized by its lucid style, emotional depth, and reflection on the complexities of modern life. His works often explore themes of time, memory, and personal experiences, and he is known for collections such as “Autumn Journal” (1939) and “The Burning Perch” (1963). In addition to his poetry, MacNeice worked for the BBC, producing radio plays and documentaries, which further cemented his reputation as a versatile and influential literary figure.

5 Interesting Facts about Louis MacNeice

1. Louis MacNeice was a member of the “Auden Group,” a collective of writers and poets who shaped the literary landscape of the 1930s.

2. He worked for the BBC as a producer of radio programs during World War II, contributing significantly to wartime broadcasting.

3. MacNeice’s poem “Autumn Journal” is considered one of his masterpieces and is a reflective, personal account of the prelude to World War II.

4. Despite his Irish heritage, MacNeice often felt a complex relationship with Ireland, which is evident in his writing.

5. He was also a skilled translator, translating works such as Goethe’s “Faust” into English.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Louis MacNeice

1. “World is crazier and more of it than we think, Incorrigibly plural.”

2. “The sunlight on the garden hardens and grows cold, we cannot cage the minute within its nets of gold.”

3. “September has come, it is hers whose vitality leaps in the autumn.”

4. “Let our hearts have no peace until it comes true.”

5. “We cannot live our lives by half-measures or with half-hearts.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There is no accurate public record of Louis MacNeice’s net worth; however, as a poet and broadcaster in the mid-20th century, he likely achieved a modest financial status relative to his literary contributions and era.

Children

Louis MacNeice had two children. With his first wife, Mary Ezra, he had a son named Dan MacNeice. He also had a daughter named Corinna with his second wife, Hedli Anderson.