W. H. Auden

Date of Birth: February 21, 1907

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: September 29, 1973

Biography

Wystan Hugh Auden, known as W. H. Auden, was an English-American poet renowned for his versatility and profound influence on 20th-century poetry. Born in York, England, Auden grew up in Birmingham and was educated at Christ Church, Oxford. He first gained attention in the late 1920s with his collection “Poems,” and his work often engaged with themes of politics, love, and ethics. Auden spent portions of his life in both England and the United States, becoming an American citizen in 1946. His poetry evolved over decades, reflecting his interests in psychoanalysis, theology, and philosophy. Some of his most famous works include “Funeral Blues,” “The Shield of Achilles,” and “The Age of Anxiety,” for which he won the Pulitzer Prize in 1948. Auden’s contributions to literature were recognized with numerous awards, including the National Book Award and the Bollingen Prize. Auden’s personal life was marked by his relationships and friendships with other literary figures such as Christopher Isherwood and Chester Kallman, the latter being his long-term partner. He taught at several universities and was known for his sharp wit and intellectual rigor. Auden passed away in 1973 in Vienna, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important poets of his century.

5 Interesting Facts about W. H. Auden

1. W. H. Auden was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1948 for his long poem “The Age of Anxiety.”

2. He became an American citizen in 1946, although he continued to spend significant time in Europe.

3. Auden was a prolific writer, producing over 400 poems, 400 essays, and numerous plays and libretti.

4. He collaborated with composer Benjamin Britten on several works, including the opera “Paul Bunyan.”

5. Auden was known for his extensive knowledge of classical literature and languages, which heavily influenced his work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from W. H. Auden

1. “We must love one another or die.”

2. “Poetry might be defined as the clear expression of mixed feelings.”

3. “A poet is, before anything else, a person who is passionately in love with language.”

4. “The mere addition of years to life is not growth; growth consists of the progressive transformation of instinct into knowledge.”

5. “All I have is a voice to undo the folded lie.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

W. H. Auden’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but as a highly respected and frequently published poet, he enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle, especially later in his career.