Gerard Manley Hopkins was born on July 28, 1844, in Stratford, Essex, which has since been absorbed into the bustling expanse of Greater London. He entered the world as the eldest of what would become nine children in a prosperous, artistic, and devout High Church Anglican family. His father, Manley Hopkins, was a successful marine insurance adjuster who also served as the Hawaiian consul-general in London and dabble…
“What you look hard at seems to look hard at you, whether you look at a thing or a person.”
Neighbourhood:
Devotional Poets, Mystical & Spiritual Poets, Victorian Poets
Emotional landscape: Spirituality, Wonder, Longing
In the annals of early twentieth-century English poetry, few figures embodied such a striking duality as John Frederick Freeman. Born on January 29, 1880, in Dalston, Middlesex, into a Wesleyan Methodist family, Freeman would spend his days navigating the demanding world of commercial insurance while his nights belonged to verse. His life represents a compelling narrative of artistic dedication pursued alongside prof…
“If at the end of a long life you have to make your peace with the Recording Angel (a malicious fellow, he!) and other virtues are dismissed with contempt and other charities declared folly, if then you speak of these many wise and kind indulgences, that Angel will be convinced you are the kindest of friends—and the best of critics. O rare conjunction!”
Neighbourhood:
Edwardian Poets, Georgian Poets, Modernist Poets
Emotional landscape: Wonder, Spirituality, Fear
