Owen Meredith
Owen Meredith: A Life of Poetry and Politics
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Owen Meredith was born on February 13, 1831, in London, England. He is often referred to as the 1st Baron Lurgashall.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: February 13, 1831
Died: November 7, 1919
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Meredith was a British poet, politician, and diplomat. He served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for East Surrey from 1859 to 1868.
Early Life and Background
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Owen Meredith was born into an aristocratic family. His father, William Meredith, was a member of the House of Lords, and his mother, Henrietta Charlotte Merivale, came from a prominent literary family. This background had a significant influence on Meredith's education and career choices.
Meredith was educated at Eton College and later studied at Christ Church, Oxford. During his time at university, he developed a strong interest in literature and poetry. He began writing his own verse while still a student and continued to write throughout his life.
Major Accomplishments
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Meredith's literary career spanned several decades and included numerous published works of poetry and prose. Some of his notable achievements include:
Poetic Contributions: Meredith was a prolific poet, publishing several collections, including "The Wanderer" (1858) and "The Ode to Liberty" (1860). His poetry often explored themes of love, nature, and social justice.
Diplomatic Career: Meredith served as the British Ambassador to Sweden from 1877 to 1885. This experience had a profound impact on his writing and worldview.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Owen Meredith's notable works include:
"The Wanderer" (1858) - A collection of poems that explore themes of love, nature, and mortality.
"The Ode to Liberty" (1860) - A poem that celebrates the ideals of freedom and democracy.
Meredith's diplomatic career was marked by several notable events, including:
Swedish-British Relations: Meredith played a key role in strengthening relations between Sweden and Britain during his tenure as Ambassador.
International Diplomacy: Meredith was involved in various international diplomatic efforts, including the Congress of Berlin (1878).
Impact and Legacy
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Owen Meredith's impact on literature and politics is still felt today. His poetry continues to be studied and admired for its beauty and depth.
Meredith's diplomatic career also had a lasting impact on British-Swedish relations. He helped establish strong ties between the two countries, which continue to this day.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Owen Meredith is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Influence on Literature: His poetry has been praised for its technical skill and emotional depth.
Diplomatic Achievements: Meredith's work as Ambassador helped establish strong relations between Sweden and Britain.
Quotes by Owen Meredith

The man who seeks one thing in life and but one May hope to achieve it before life is done; But he who seeks all things, wherever he goes Only reaps from the hopes which around him he sows A harvest of barren regrets

Genius does what it must, and Talent does what it can. (Last words of a Sensitive Second-Rate Poet)

The world is filled with folly and sin, And Love must cling, where it can, I say: For Beauty is easy enough to win; But one isn't loved every day


Those true eyes Too pure and too honest in aught to disguise The sweet soul shining through them

We may live without friends; we may live without books. But civilized men cannot live without cooks.

Let any man show the world that he feels Afraid of its bark and 't will fly at his heels: Let him fearlessly face it, 't will leave him alone: But 't will fawn at his feet if he flings it a bone


