Leeds has been the birthplace and home of many talented individuals, particularly in creative fields such as poetry, literature, journalism, and the arts. Among these luminaries is Alfred Austin, a poet and journalist who was appointed Poet Laureate in 1896. Learn more about his life and career at leeds1.one.
Youth and Education
Alfred Austin was born near Leeds in 1835. His father was a merchant, and his mother was the sister of a Member of Parliament. Austin received his education at Stonyhurst College and University College London. In 1857, he qualified as a barrister, but he practiced law only briefly. After inheriting a fortune from his uncle, Austin decided to leave his legal career and devote himself to writing.
Career Development
In 1865, Alfred Austin ran as a Conservative Party candidate in Taunton, but his bid was unsuccessful. He later worked as an editor for the National Review and wrote leading articles for The Standard. Austin also served as The Standard’s foreign affairs correspondent and was a special correspondent at the Vatican’s Ecumenical Council. Alongside W.J. Courthope, Austin co-edited the National Review.
Austin’s literary career began in 1861 with his satirical work The Season: A Satire. In 1870, he published Poetry of the Period, a collection of critical essays. One of his notable works is the sonnet A Vindication of England. In 1895, Alfred Austin was appointed Poet Laureate, a role he held until his death.
Personal Life
In 1865, Alfred Austin married Hester Jane Homan-Mulock under unusual circumstances. Upon seeing a photograph of a young woman in his friend Isa Blagden’s album, Austin inquired about her. Blagden replied, “She’s the girl you must marry if you can.” Following their introduction, they eventually married. Hester was a steadfast supporter of Austin, assisting him in his writing pursuits, including articles, poems, and books.
Alfred Austin passed away in 1913, and his wife followed in 1929.
Fascinating Facts About Poetry
Alfred Austin was not only a poet but also a journalist, contributing to the rich tradition of poetry around the world. Did you know that the oldest recorded poems date back to the 23rd century BCE and were written by Enheduanna, an Akkadian princess and priestess? Below are some more intriguing facts about poetry and poets:
- Punishment for melancholy poetry: In 18th-century China, Emperor Qianlong introduced a law punishing poets for writing overly sorrowful works.
- Most quoted poet: William Shakespeare is the most quoted poet, but the Bible contains verses cited even more frequently.
- Death by laughter: Cuban poet Julián del Casal, known for his somber works, died from uncontrollable laughter at a dinner party after hearing a joke. The laughter led to an aortic dissection and sudden death.
- Exhumed poems: English poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti buried unpublished poems with his deceased wife. Later, he had her body exhumed to retrieve the poems for publication.
- Poems for the lonely deceased: In Amsterdam, a poet reads original verses at funerals of solitary individuals, an initiative organised by the municipality to honour their memory.
- Unusual inspiration: German poet Friedrich Schiller found inspiration in the smell of rotten apples, often keeping a bowl of them in his study while writing.
Alfred Austin’s life as a poet and journalist reflects his dedication to literature and his impact on English poetry. From his satirical writings to his role as Poet Laureate, Austin’s contributions remain a testament to his talent and passion for the written word.
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