Frederic Manning

Frederic Manning was an Australian-born poet and novelist, best known for his acclaimed World War I novel, "The Middle Parts of Fortune." Born on July 22, 1882, in Sydney, Australia, Manning showed an early interest in literature and history. He moved to England in his late teens and established connections with prominent literary circles.

Manning first gained recognition as a poet, publishing his debut collection, "The Vigil of Brunhild," in 1907. His work was well-received, and he earned praise for his eloquent verse and classical influences. Despite his early success, Manning struggled with health issues and a sense of displacement, themes that often permeated his writing.

During World War I, Manning enlisted in the British Army and served as an infantryman in the King's Shropshire Light Infantry. His experiences in the trenches deeply affected him and provided the raw material for his masterpiece. Published anonymously in 1929 and later under his name, "The Middle Parts of Fortune" is celebrated for its unflinching realism and profound psychological insight into the lives of soldiers.

Manning's life was marked by a combination of literary achievement and personal turmoil. He retreated from public life post-war, struggling with alcoholism and declining health. Frederic Manning passed away on February 22, 1935, in Hampstead, London, leaving behind a legacy of poignant war literature that continues to resonate.