A.E. Housman: A Life of Poetry and Scholarship

#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Alfred Edward Housman was the full name of this renowned English poet, classical scholar, and translator. He is commonly referred to as A.E. Housman.

#### Birth and Death Dates
A.E. Housman was born on March 16, 1859, in Fockbury, Worcestershire, England, and passed away on April 30, 1936, at the age of 77.

#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Housman held British nationality throughout his life. He is best known for his work as a poet, but he was also a classical scholar and translator, with expertise in Latin and Greek literature.

#### Early Life and Background
A.E. Housman's childhood was marked by tragedy when his older brother Laurence died of diphtheria at the age of 5. This event had a profound impact on Housman, who would later struggle with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity throughout his life. Despite these challenges, Housman's love for Latin and Greek literature began early on, and he went on to study Classics at St John's College, Oxford.

#### Major Accomplishments
Housman's academic career was marked by several notable accomplishments. He graduated from Cambridge University with a first-class degree in Classics, where he also won the Craven Scholarship. After serving as a professor of Latin at Trinity College, Cambridge, Housman returned to London and worked as a civil servant for over 30 years. During this time, he published his first collection of poetry, "A Shropshire Lad," which would become one of his most famous works.

#### Notable Works or Actions
"A Shropshire Lad" (1896) is considered Housman's masterpiece and is widely regarded as a classic of English literature. The collection of 63 poems explores themes of love, loss, and mortality, set against the backdrop of rural England. Other notable works include "Last Poems" (1922), which was published after his retirement from civil service, and his translations of Greek poetry.

#### Impact and Legacy
A.E. Housman's impact on literature extends far beyond his own work. He is credited with influencing a generation of poets, including W.H. Auden and Philip Larkin. His poetry has also been translated into many languages and continues to be widely read today. As a scholar, Housman was instrumental in promoting the study of classical languages and literature at Cambridge University.

#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Housman's poetry is remembered for its beauty, simplicity, and profound exploration of human emotions. His famous poem "Loveliest of Trees" (from "A Shropshire Lad") begins with the lines:

"When I see blossoms swing
When I see blossoms swing
Among the grass so green..."

This lyrical style has made Housman's poetry a staple of anthologies and inspirational quotes. His legacy as a poet, scholar, and translator continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers.

In conclusion, A.E. Housman's life was marked by both personal struggles and literary triumphs. His contributions to English literature, classical scholarship, and translation have left an indelible mark on the world of poetry and academia. As a poet, he remains widely quoted and remembered for his beautiful and evocative words that continue to inspire readers today.