Masefield, John

(1878-1967)

   John Masefield receives little tribute today, yet in his time he was one of England's most popular poets.  He poetry is steeped in romance, although it has a decidedly realistic edge to it.  Masefield had a rare ability of conjuring up moods and images with the use of natural and unaffected language.  His numerous poems and ballads of the sea comprise a vivid collage of English nautical life of the early 20th century, and often contain much experimentation of metrical form.  Although primarily a poet, Masefield wrote many novels, short story collections, and non-fiction books as well.  His best works, however, include long narrative poems such as "Everlasting Mercy," "The Widow of Bye-Street," and "Dauber."  Masefield was poet-laureate of England from 1936 until his death.  During that time, he became very interested in the public recitation of verse, and held frequent contests of verse-reading.  Reviews of some of his Edwardian prose/ fiction are in progress, and will be presented on this website soon.

Bibliography:

Salt-Water Ballads [p|1902]
A Mainsail Haul [s|1905]
19396 On The Spanish Main [n] [1906]
A Tarpaulin Muster [s|1907]
Captain Margaret [f] [1908]
Multitude And Solitude [f|1909]
The Street Of To-day [f|1909]
H The Tragedy Of Nan [d|pub:1909]
The Tragedy Of Pompey The Great [d|1910]
Ballads And Poems [p|1910]
Chronicles Of The Pilgrim Fathers [1910]
A Book Of Discoveries [1910]
1274 Martin Hyde, The Duke's Messenger [1910]
Lost Endeavour [f|1910]
7369 Jim Davies [f|1911]
& The Everlasting Mercy [p|1911]
The Widow In The Bye Street [f|1912]
The Daffodil Fields [1913]
Dauber [p|1913]
The Faithful [d|1915]
Good Friday [d|1916]
7296 John M Synge (anon) [b|1916]
Lollingdon Downs [1917]
H Poems And Plays Of John Masefield [2v|p|1918]
Reynard The Fox [p|1919]
King Cole [p|1921]
Esther [1922]
The Dream.. [p|?/1923]
A King's Daughter [1923]
The Taking Of Helen [1923]
Sard Harker [f|1924]
Shakespeare & Spiritual Life [1924]
The Taking Of Helen.. [1924]
Odtaa [1926]
The Midnight Folk [1927]
The Coming Of Christ [d|1928]
The Hawbucks [1929]
The Bird Of Dawning [1933]
The Box Of Delights [1935]
Pontus and Other Verse [p][1936]
Eggs and Baker [1936]
The Country Scene [p][1937]
The Square Peg: or, The Gun Fella[1937]
Tribute To Ballet[p] [1938]
Dead Ned [f][1938]
Live and Kicking Ned [f] [1939]
Some Verses to Some Germans [p][1939]
Basilissa [f] [1940]
Conquer [f] [1941]
Gautama the Enlightened [p][1941]
In The Mill [a][1941]
Generation Risen [p]1942]
Land Workers [p][1943]
Wonderings [p][1943]
The New Chum  [1944]
Thanks Before Going [1946]
The Play of Saint George [d] [1948]
On The Hill [p][1949]
A Book of Prose Selections [1950]
So Long To Learn [a] [1952]
Poems: Complete Edition [p] [1953]
Grace Before Ploughing [a] [1966]
In Glad Thanksgiving [p] [1967]
 

************

Web Resources:

[BACK TO AUTHORS]  [HOME]