About this Event
Walter de la Mare OM CH (1873–1956) was one of the best-loved English poets of the twentieth century, his verse admired by contemporaries including Thomas Hardy, Robert Frost, W. H. Auden and T. S. Eliot. He lived in both Anerley and Penge. This event, which is part of the Penge festival, will celebrate the work of one of Anerley and Penge’s most famous writers. In it, Dr William Wootten will recite and talk about some of de la Mare’s finest poems. William is the editor of Reading Walter de la Mare (Faber, June 2021), a new selection of de la Mare’s poems, including perennial favourites such as ‘Napoleon’, ‘Fare Well’ and ‘The Listeners’, for a twenty-first-century audience. The poems are accompanied by William’s commentaries, which build up a portrait of de la Mare’s life, loves and friendships with the likes of Hardy, Rupert Brooke, Edward Thomas and Katherine Mansfield. They also point out the fascinating references to literature, folklore and the natural world that embroider the verse.
William Wootten is also the author of the twenty poem poetry chapbook Looking at the Horseman (New Walk, May 2021), the poetry volume You Have a Visitor (Worple, 2016) and the critical study The Alvarez Generation: Thom Gunn, Geoffrey Hill, Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath and Peter Porter (Liverpool University Press 2015 and 2021). Poems of his have appeared in magazines such as Poetry Review, PN Review, the Rialto, the Spectator and the Times Literary Supplement. His essays and reviews have appeared in the Guardian the London Review of Books and the Times Literary Supplement. He lectures at the University of Bristol.
A 45-minute talk followed by Q & A. William Wootten will be signing copies of his book Reading Walter de la Mare available for by credit card or cash.
The ticket price includes one glass of wine. As this is an outdoor event, please wear suitable clothing. All proceeds to Penge Heritage Trail.
Everyone attending must comply with all government regulations relating to COVID-19.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Garden, 14 Thornsett Road, London, United Kingdom
GBP 5.00