Alfred Lord Tennyson


Easton Press Alfred Lord Tennyson books

Idylls of The King - The Collector's Library of Famous Editions - 1994
Poems of Tennyson - Library of Great Poetry - 1995
Idylls of The King - Deluxe edition in slip case


Franklin Library Alfred Lord Tennyson books

In Memoriam and Other Poems by Alfred Lord Tennyson - World's Best Loved Books - 1984

 

Poet Alfred Lord Tennyson

Alfred Lord Tennyson, born on August 6, 1809, in Somersby, Lincolnshire, England, was one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, whose lyrical verse and profound insights into the human condition earned him widespread acclaim and adoration. Tennyson's early years were marked by tragedy and hardship. The death of his father when he was just a child plunged the family into financial difficulties, and Tennyson's upbringing was overshadowed by poverty and instability. Despite these challenges, Tennyson showed an early aptitude for poetry, publishing his first collection, Poems by Two Brothers, with his brother Charles in 1827. After attending Trinity College, Cambridge, Tennyson published his first solo collection of poetry, Poems Chiefly Lyrical, in 1830, which received favorable reviews and established him as a rising talent in the literary world. Over the next few years, Tennyson continued to write and publish poetry, earning recognition for his evocative imagery, musical language, and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the quest for meaning.

In 1842, Tennyson published one of his most famous works, Poems, which included such iconic poems as Ulysses, The Lady of Shalott, and The Lotus-Eaters. These poems, characterized by their exquisite craftsmanship and profound emotional depth, solidified Tennyson's reputation as one of the preeminent poets of his generation. Tennyson's literary achievements were further recognized in 1850 when he was appointed Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, succeeding William Wordsworth. As Poet Laureate, Tennyson served as the official poet of the British monarchy, composing verse for state occasions and royal celebrations. His tenure as Poet Laureate, which lasted until his death, helped cement his status as a national literary treasure.

Throughout his career, Tennyson continued to write and publish poetry, exploring a wide range of themes and subjects. His later works, including Idylls of the King (1859-1885), a cycle of narrative poems based on the legends of King Arthur, and In Memoriam A.H.H. (1850), a moving elegy for his close friend Arthur Hallam, further demonstrated his poetic genius and enduring relevance. Alfred Lord Tennyson passed away on October 6, 1892, leaving behind a legacy of poetry that continues to captivate and inspire readers around the world. His mastery of language, his profound insights into the human condition, and his timeless themes ensure his place among the greatest poets in the English language.

 




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