Edith Sitwell Quotes
- Poet
- England
- 1887 - 1964
Edith Sitwell (1887-1964) was an English poet, critic, and biographer. She was a leader of the modernist movement in British poetry and was known for her eccentric and flamboyant style. Her most famous works include the collections Façade (1922), The Sleeping Beauty (1926), and Gold Coast Customs (1…Read More
Edith Sitwell (1887-1964) was an English poet, critic, and biographer. She was a leader of the modernist movement in British poetry and was known for her eccentric and flamboyant style. Her most famous works include the collections Façade (1922), The Sleeping Beauty (1926), and Gold Coast Customs (1929). She also wrote several biographies, including those of William Shakespeare, Alexander Pope, and Queen Elizabeth I. Sitwell was a member of the Order of the British Empire and was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 1956.Read Less
Edith Sitwell (1887-1964) was an English poet, critic, and biographer. She was a leader of the modernist movement in British poetry and was known for her eccentric and flamboyant style. Her most famous works include the collections Façade (1922), The Sleeping Beauty (1926), and Gold Coast Customs (1929). She also wrote several biographies, including those of William Shakespeare, Alexander Pope, and Queen Elizabeth I. Sitwell was a member of the Order of the British Empire and was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 1956.
14 Inspiring Edith Sitwell Quotes
Edith Sitwell Career Highlights
- Edith Sitwell was a British poet, critic, and biographer, known for her contributions to modernist literature.
- She published her first collection of poetry, “Clowns’ Houses,” in 1918, which established her as a prominent figure in the literary world.
- In 1923, Sitwell and her brothers, Osbert and Sacheverell, founded the avant-garde literary magazine “Wheels,” which featured works by T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, and other modernist writers.
- Throughout her career, Sitwell published over a dozen collections of poetry, including “Façade” (1922), “Gold Coast Customs” (1929), and “The Shadow of Cain” (1947).
- She also wrote several biographies, including “Alexander Pope” (1930) and “Victoria of England” (1936), which were well-received by critics and readers alike.
Key Contributions by Edith Sitwell
- Sitwell’s poetry was known for its experimental style, incorporating elements of surrealism and stream-of-consciousness writing.
- She was a key figure in the modernist movement, alongside other notable writers such as Virginia Woolf and James Joyce.
- Sitwell’s work often explored themes of death, religion, and the human condition, and she was praised for her use of vivid imagery and wordplay.
- As a critic, Sitwell championed the works of her contemporaries and helped to bring attention to lesser-known writers.
- She also played a significant role in promoting modernist art and music, collaborating with composers such as William Walton and Constant Lambert.
What Sets Edith Sitwell Apart
- Sitwell’s unique writing style and experimental approach to poetry set her apart from her contemporaries.
- She was also known for her eccentric personality and flamboyant fashion sense, often wearing elaborate costumes and jewelry.
- Sitwell’s contributions to modernist literature and her support of other artists helped to shape the literary landscape of the early 20th century.
Takeaways
- Edith Sitwell was a pioneering figure in modernist literature, known for her experimental writing style and contributions to the literary world.
- Her poetry and biographies continue to be studied and appreciated by readers and scholars today.
- Sitwell’s legacy as a writer, critic, and patron of the arts continues to inspire and influence future generations.