Selected Poems

Name: Selected Poems
Author: John Masefield

By John Masefield

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British Literature Poetry

About This Book

A varied collection of lyric and narrative verse that moves between seascapes and quiet rural scenes, pairing vigorous maritime imagery—trade winds, night watches, shipboard life—with intimate portraits of loss, domestic memory, and aging. The selections encompass ballads, sonnets, dramatic choruses, and occasional longer pieces, shifting between brisk rhythmic songs and more reflective monologues. Recurring concerns include longing for travel and elemental nature, endurance in the face of sorrow, and the work of memory and observation. Together the poems chart a range of moods from restless wanderlust to sombre contemplation, rendered in plain, musical diction.

About the Author

John Masefield

John Masefield was an English poet, novelist, and playwright, known for his vivid storytelling and lyrical style. Born in 1878, he gained prominence in the early 20th century, contributing significantly to English literature. Masefield's works often explore themes of adventure, the sea, and human experience. His notable works include the narrative poem "A Ballad of John Silver," which draws inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," and the poignant war poem "Gallipoli," reflecting on the horrors of conflict. Masefield served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1930 until his death in 1967, leaving a lasting legacy in the literary world.