W. B. Yeats

William Butler Yeats (13 June 1865 – 28 January 1939) was an Irish poet, dramatist, prose writer, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. Born in Sandymount, Dublin, Yeats was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival and co-founded the Abbey Theatre. His early work was deeply influenced by the Celtic Revival, imbued with mysticism and symbolism, often exploring Irish myth and folklore.

Educated in both Dublin and London, Yeats’ literary career commenced with poetry that reflected his fascination with Irish legends and the occult. His early collections, such as "The Wanderings of Oisin and Other Poems" (1889), established him as a notable poetic voice. Yeats' interest in esotericism led him to join the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which significantly influenced his metaphysical themes.

As his style matured, Yeats’ work became more personal and political, capturing the complexities of Irish identity. Key works from his later period include "The Tower" (1928) and "The Winding Stair and Other Poems" (1933). He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923, celebrated for his lyrical poetry and significant cultural contributions.

Yeats also served as a senator for the Irish Free State from 1922 to 1928. He continued to write prolifically until his death in 1939 in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly influenced modern poetry.