John Masefield
John Masefield
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
John Edward Masefield was born on June 1, 1878, in Ledbury, Herefordshire, England. He is commonly known as Jack Masefield among his friends and family.
Birth and Death Dates
Masefield lived for 84 years, passing away on February 12, 1967, at St Dunstan's Hospital in London.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Masefield was a British poet, novelist, playwright, and editor. He is best known for his poetry and novels that capture the essence of life during World War I.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Ledbury, Masefield spent much of his childhood exploring the surrounding countryside, developing a deep appreciation for nature and its rhythms. His early education took place at King's School in Canterbury and later at St Edward's School in Oxford. At 14, he began working as an apprentice on a ship sailing from Bristol to New York. This experience had a profound impact on his life and influenced many of his writings.
Masefield then attended Rossall School in Lancashire before proceeding to Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied English Language and Literature. However, he did not graduate with a degree but instead chose to pursue a career in literature.
Major Accomplishments
Masefield's literary career spans over five decades, during which he produced numerous works that earned him recognition and acclaim. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Poetry: His poetry collections such as _Salt_ (1911), _The Everlasting Mercy_ (1911), and _Badon Pippin_ (1928) showcased his mastery over the genre.
Novels: Novels like _The Tragedy of Cyprus_ (1907) and _Repeal_ (1910) demonstrated his ability to craft compelling narratives.
Editorial Work: Masefield served as the editor of the _London Mercury_ from 1921 until it ceased publication in 1939.Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions that have had a lasting impact on literature include:
The Everlasting Mercy (1911) - A collection of poems that celebrated the beauty of nature.
Salt (1911) - A poem that captures the essence of sailing and its influence on Masefield's life.Impact and Legacy
Masefield's contributions to literature have left a lasting impact. His poetry, in particular, has been praised for its vivid imagery, capturing the essence of life during World War I. His legacy extends beyond his literary works; he also served as a mentor to young writers and played an active role in promoting literature through various organizations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Masefield is widely quoted and remembered due to several factors:
Unique Style: His poetry, characterized by vivid imagery and use of metaphors, continues to captivate readers.
* Capturing War Experience: His works capture the essence of life during World War I, making him a notable figure in literary history.
Quotes by John Masefield
John Masefield's insights on:
Beauty you lifted up my sleeping eye And filled my heart with longing with a look.
The social states of human kinds Are made by multitudes of minds, And after multitudes of years A little human growth appears Worth having, even to the soul Who sees most plain it’s not the whole.
God dropped a spark down into everyone, And if we find and fan it to a blaze, It’ll spring up and glow, like – like the sun, And light the wandering out of stony ways.
I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.
But he has gone, A nation’s memory and veneration, Among the radiant, ever venturing on, Somewhere, with morning, as such spirits will.
Life’s battle is a conquest for the strong; The meaning shows in the defeated thing.
