Masefield, John (1878–1967) Works   hu en

Biography

1878-1960
Poet, novelist, dramatist and journalist, John Masefield's literary career was rich and varied, and although his reputation waned in later years, he is again being recognized for his wide range, encompassing ballads, nature poetry and mythological narrative, and for his attempt to make poetry a popular art.
To many, John Masefield is simply known as the poet who wrote about the sea. Some also know him as one of the Poet Laureates. It is certain however that one is not appointed Poet Laureate by simply writing verse about ships, salt water, and wind.
It would be far better, if it is needed to describe Masefield in very few words, to call him the poet who wrote of beauty and experience.
It is interesting to note that although among the ‘general public’, Masefield’s poems of sea and ships are well known, the poet himself in fact spent only a very small part of his life aboard ship. Further, it may surprise many to discover that sea life did not suit Masefield and on his second voyage, he deserted ship to find work as a land-lubber in New York City.