"Wilfred Owen" is a biography of the English poet Wilfred Owen, written by Jon Stallworthy. The book provides a detailed account of Owen's life, poetry, and the historical context in which he lived and wrote. Wilfred Owen is known for his powerful and poignant poetry that vividly depicted the horrors of World War I.
Published in 1974, Jon Stallworthy's biography delves into Owen's background, upbringing, education, and his experiences as a soldier during World War I. The biography explores Owen's transformation from a young poet with a deep interest in literature to a soldier who witnessed the brutal realities of war on the Western Front.
Stallworthy's biography is particularly acclaimed for its thorough research and nuanced understanding of Owen's life and work. It sheds light on Owen's relationships, friendships, and influences, both literary and personal. The biography also delves into Owen's struggles with his mental health, his personal convictions, and his experiences as a soldier in the trenches.
One of the key aspects of "Wilfred Owen" is its analysis of Owen's poetry, which includes some of the most powerful anti-war poems in the English language. The biography provides insights into the creation, themes, and context of poems like "Dulce et Decorum Est," "Anthem for Doomed Youth," and "Strange Meeting," among others.