Richard Le Gallienne
Richard Le Gallienne
Full Name and Common Aliases
Richard Le Gallienne was a British poet, novelist, critic, and essayist. His full name is often written as Richard le Gallienne to reflect his French ancestry.
Birth and Death Dates
Richard Le Gallienne was born on February 22, 1866, in London, England, and died on February 4, 1940.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Le Gallienne held dual nationality, being both British and American. Throughout his life, he worked as a poet, novelist, critic, and essayist, known for his passionate and expressive writings.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Le Gallienne's love for literature was fostered from an early age by his mother, who encouraged him to read widely. His father, a French émigré, had a profound influence on Richard's writing style, which often reflected the romanticism and sensuality found in 19th-century French poetry.
Major Accomplishments
Le Gallienne is best known for his poetic works, including "The Burning of the Yen-Lu Towers" (1896) and "The Garden of Fidelity" (1900). His poetry collection "Flute and Violin" (1915) showcases his skill in capturing the subtleties of human emotion through musical metaphors. Additionally, he wrote several novels, such as "The Soul of the Rose" (1907), exploring themes of love, nature, and spirituality.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Le Gallienne's most notable achievements was his involvement with the American expatriate community in Paris during the early 20th century. He befriended notable figures like Oscar Wilde, Aubrey Beardsley, and W.B. Yeats, who shared his passion for art, literature, and philosophy.
Impact and Legacy
Le Gallienne's work had a significant impact on modern poetry, influencing poets such as T.E. Hulme and Ezra Pound. His emphasis on the expressive qualities of language paved the way for the Imagist movement in poetry. Furthermore, Le Gallienne's commitment to his art, despite facing financial struggles throughout his life, serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Le Gallienne is widely quoted and remembered for his poignant expressions on love, nature, and the human condition. His poetic works continue to captivate readers with their unique blend of sensuality and spirituality. As a literary figure, he represents the romantic ideals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, appealing to those who cherish the beauty and expressiveness of language.
Through his writings and associations with influential artists, Richard Le Gallienne left an enduring mark on literature, ensuring his place among the notable figures of the modernist era. His legacy as a poet, critic, and essayist continues to inspire readers and writers alike, solidifying his position in literary history.
Quotes by Richard Le Gallienne
Organized Christianity has probably done more to retard the ideals that were its founder’s than any other agency in the world.
Though actually the work of man’s hands – or, more properly speaking, the work of his travelling feet, – roads have long since come to seem so much a part of Nature that we have grown to think of them as a feature of the landscape no less natural than rocks and trees.
We also maintain – again with perfect truth – that mystery is more than half of beauty, the element of strangeness that stirs the senses through the imagination.
Celestial spirit that doth roll; The heart’s sepulchral stone away, Be this our resurrection day, The singing Easter of the soul – O gentle Master of the Wise, Teach us to say: “I will arise.”
