Robert Frost is a famous modern American poet who is known for his simple poems which have deeper levels of meanings. He was influenced by the British Romantic poets in his early days, but he later was to become the most originally American poet of his time. He became a farmer-and-poet and wrote poems, about local scenes, local people and their life, especially of his home state of New England.
Henry Reed was an English war-poet of Second World War, translator, radio broadcaster, dramatist and journalist. He did his schooling at King Edward VI School and went to the University of Birmingham, where he came into contact with the famous poet WH Auden, and Walter Allen who were the lecturers of classics at the university. He was influenced by the Auden and Louis MacNeice. He learned Latin, Italian and Japanese Languages in the university.
Robert Hayden was an African-American poet, essayist, and educator, born in the Paradise Valley Slum section in Detroit. His father left his mother before his birth and after his birth, his mother gave him to the family of Sue Ellen Westerfield and William Hayden. His childhood was like a nightmare for him. He was brought up in an environment of anger, fear and suffered beatings from the foster parents. All these childhood pains and sufferings resulted into the devastating bouts of depression later in his adult life.
Patrick Kavanagh was the outstanding 20th century Irish poet and novelist, born to father James Kavanagh and mother Bridget Quinn. His father was a shoemaker and he learned this skill from his father and also helped him in the farm. He left school at an age of twelve and taught himself about literature. He is best known for his novel Tarry Flynn and the poems "On Raglan Road" and "The Great Hunger" which depict the Irish lifestyle through everyday activities.
Countee Cullen was one of the most important Harlem Renaissance poets, novelist, anthologist, children's writer, translator and playwright. He was one of the African American poet who won most of the prestigious awards from his high school days that continued with his later life. His exact birth place was unknown and his parents’ identity was also not clear.
Florence Margaret Smith, generally recognized as Stevie Smith was one of the famous female English poet and novelist. She was born in Yorkshire, England. Her father was a businessman of shipping company, but when his business started to get loss he went to join the North Sea Patrol.
Allen Tate was a distinguished man of letters from the American South, who was a dominant figure in poetry, criticism, essay and ideas. Tate was born as the youngest son of John Orley and Eleanor Varnell Tate in Kentucky. Because of the frequent migration from one place to another, his primary education was badly affected. He was much influenced by his mother who loved reading literary books, he himself read a wide variety of books.
James Farl Powers was born in Jacksonville, Illinois and educated at Quincey College Academy, Illinois and Northwestern University, Chicago. In 1938, he edited The Illinois Historical Records Survey.
Isaac Rosenberg was an English poet of the First World War who was born in the family of Lithuanian Jewish Barnett and Hacha Rosenberg in Bristol. At the age of 14, he left the school and became a trainee engraver as he was much more inclined to visual art and poetry too. But, soon in 1911, he left the training as an engraver and attended the Slade School of Fine Art, London.
John Crowe Ransom was an American educator, scholar, literary critic, poet, essayist and editor, born in the family of Methodist father, John James Ransom and mother Sara Ella (Crowe) Ransom in Pulaski, Tennessee. Until the age of ten he did not go to formal school, instead he received an education at home.