Dylan Thomas

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Dylan Thomas (27 October 1914 – 9 November 1953) was a Welsh poet and writer whose works include the poems "Do not go gentle into that good night" and "And death shall have no dominion"; the "play for voices" Under Milk Wood; and stories and radio broadcasts such as A Child's Christmas in Wales and Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog. He became widely popular in his lifetime and remained so after his premature death at the age of 39 in New York City.

Early Life

Dylan Marlais Thomas was born in Swansea, Wales, to David John Thomas, a teacher, and Florence Hannah Thomas. He had one sister, Nancy Marles Thomas. He attended Swansea Grammar School, where his father taught English. Thomas began writing poetry as a child, and by his late teens, he had published several poems in various periodicals.

Career

Thomas's first book, 18 Poems, was published in 1934, and it was followed by Twenty-Five Poems in 1936. His work was noted for its lyrical and emotional intensity, and he quickly gained a reputation as a leading figure in the literary world. In addition to his poetry, Thomas wrote short stories, scripts for film and radio, and worked as a journalist.

Major Works

• Do not go gentle into that good night - One of Thomas's most famous poems, written in 1947 and published in 1951.
• Under Milk Wood - A radio drama commissioned by the BBC and first broadcast in 1954.
• A Child's Christmas in Wales - A prose work that has become a classic of Christmas literature.
• Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog - A collection of autobiographical short stories published in 1940.

Personal Life

Thomas married Caitlin Macnamara in 1937, and they had three children: Llewelyn, Aeronwy, and Colm. The couple had a tumultuous relationship, marked by infidelity and heavy drinking. Thomas's health deteriorated due to his alcoholism, and he died in 1953 in New York City.

Legacy

Dylan Thomas's work has had a lasting impact on the world of literature. His unique style, characterized by its musicality and emotional depth, continues to influence poets and writers. The Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea is dedicated to his life and work, and his home in Laugharne, the Boathouse, is a popular tourist attraction.

Related Pages

• Welsh literature
• List of Welsh writers
• List of poets
• BBC
• Swansea