Stephen Spender

Date of Birth: February 28, 1909

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: July 16, 1995

Biography

Stephen Spender was an influential English poet, novelist, and essayist whose work touched on themes of social justice, war, and the human condition. Born on February 28, 1909, in London, England, Spender grew up in a privileged environment. He attended University College School, Hampstead, and later went on to study at University College, Oxford. During his time at Oxford, he became associated with notable literary figures such as W.H. Auden, Christopher Isherwood, and Louis MacNeice. Spender’s early work was heavily influenced by his political beliefs, particularly his commitment to socialism and anti-fascism, which were reflected in his collections such as “Poems” (1933). He also served as an ambulance driver during the Spanish Civil War, further solidifying his political convictions. In addition to his poetry, Spender was a co-founder of the influential literary magazine “Horizon” and served as its editor from 1939 to 1941. His later years saw a shift in his writing towards more personal and reflective themes. He was knighted in 1983 for his contributions to literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Stephen Spender

1. Stephen Spender was a member of the “Auden Group,” a collective of young poets and writers that included W.H. Auden, Christopher Isherwood, and Louis MacNeice.

2. He served as an ambulance driver during the Spanish Civil War.

3. Spender was knighted in 1983 for his contributions to literature.

4. He was a co-founder and editor of the literary magazine “Horizon.”

5. Spender’s poetry often explored themes of social justice, war, and human rights.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Stephen Spender

1. “Great poetry is always written by somebody straining to go beyond what he can do.”

2. “There is a certain justice in criticism. The critic is like a midwife—a tyrannical midwife.”

3. “I think continually of those who were truly great.”

4. “No man can be a poet without recognizing that he is, first and foremost, a citizen of his own country.”

5. “The greatest poets have been men of great intellectual power, who have had a vast deal of knowledge of the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Stephen Spender’s net worth at the peak of his career is not well-documented, but as a respected poet and literary figure, his financial success would have been modest compared to contemporary standards.

Children

Stephen Spender had two children: Elizabeth Spender and Matthew Spender. Elizabeth is a film and television actress, while Matthew is a sculptor and author.