Wilfred Owen

When Wilfred Owen died in 1918 aged 25, only five of his poems had been published. Yet he became one of the most popular poets of the 20th century. For decades his public image was controlled by family and friends, especially his brother Harold who was terrified anyone might think Wilfred was gay. In recent years much new material has become available. This book, based on over thirty years of wide-ranging research, brings new information to almost every part of Owen's life. Owen emerges as a complex, fascinating and often endearing character with an intense delight in being alive.

“This rich, compelling, formidably researched enterprise...is the fruit of half a lifetime's devotion to Owen's memory-- John Carey , SUNDAY TIMES”

Hibberd has probably done more than any other individual to illuminate Owen's life and work...a triumph.... It is difficult to believe it will ever be superseded -- Mark Bostridge Independent on Sunday
At times you feel as if you are there with Owen as he flinches under shellfire or freezes on the exposed slopes of the Somme. He (Wilfred Owen) deserved - but has so far lacked - a definitive biography. Now it is indisputably here NEW STATESMAN
This rich, compelling, formidably researched enterprise...is the fruit of half a lifetime's devotion to Owen's memory -- John Carey SUNDAY TIMES
Hibberd's biography is particularly effective in communicating a sense of his subject's shy charm LITERARY REVIEW
Literary biography of the first order, splendidly written and thoroughly documented.... Highly recommended. CHOICE
A magisterial biography NEW YORK TIMES
This book is exemplary in its thoroughness, imaginative sympathy and good sense...what is most striking is the insight Hibberd brings to texts that have been common property for decades FINANCIAL TIMES
Owen deserved - but has so far lacked - a definitive biography. Now it is indisputably here -- Nigel Jones BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE
At last - a compassionate, uncensored appraisal of the war poet's life. This is a good, honest, and often moving biography; it is also a monument to research DAILY TELEGRAPH

Dominic Hibberd has been an acknowledged authority on Wilfred Owen for many years. He was the fourth editor of Owen's war poems, following Siegried Sassoon, Edmund Blunden and Cecil Day Lewis. He taught at Manchester Grammar School and universities in England, the United States and China before settling in an Oxfordshire village, where he is now a full-time author.

When Wilfred Owen died in 1918 aged 25, only five of his poems had been published. Yet he became one of the most popular poets of the 20th century. For decades his public image was controlled by family and friends, especially his brother Harold who was terrified anyone might think Wilfred was gay. In recent years much new material has become available. This book, based on over thirty years of wide-ranging research, brings new information to almost every part of Owen's life. Owen emerges as a complex, fascinating and often endearing character with an intense delight in being alive.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.