Auden

Peter Ackroyd's compelling portrait of W. H. Auden, poet of a restless century.

Of all the English poets born in the twentieth century, Wystan Hugh Auden is by far the most significant. This critical biography explores the evolution of his poetic voice in tandem with his shifting beliefs--existentialism, Marxism, Freudianism, and Anglo-Catholicism--reflecting the intellectual climate of the century. Rooted in English traditions, Auden's work reveals both public and personal histories, from the Depression and Spanish Civil War to his experiences as a gay man navigating repression and later liberation. The book traces his journeys from Oxford to Berlin, China, and America, bringing to life his turbulent era and the inner conflicts of his long relationship with Chester Kallman. This insightful and compelling account by acclaimed historian Peter Ackroyd captures Auden's genius as both a historical witness and an enduring poetic voice.

Author: Peter Ackroyd
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Published: 06/05/2026
Pages: 400
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.68lbs
Size: 9.47h x 6.57w x 1.52d
ISBN: 9781836391722


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2026
Library Journal 03/01/2026 pg. 107
Booklist 05/01/2026

About the Author
Peter Ackroyd is one of Britain's most respected historians and novelists. His many books include London: The Biography, Hawksmoor, and the bestselling History of England series. He is also the author of The English Actor and The English Soul, both published by Reaktion Books.