The Poetry of Algernon Charles Swinburne - Volume VI: Poems and Ballads, The Second Series

The life of Algernon Charles Swinburne is marked by literary innovation and personal struggle. Known for his intense lyricism and intricate imagery, he gained fame with "Atalanta in Calydon" and "Poems and Ballads," despite facing criticism for his themes. His physical frailty and excessive drinking led to health crises, prompting his friend Theodore Watts-Dunton to intervene, ultimately isolating him from friends. While some later works faltered, he produced notable poems during his recovery. Swinburne's legacy includes significant literary criticism and a complex relationship with his own artistry.