Edward Thomas (1878–1917) was a British poet, essayist, and novelist. Although considered one of the war poets of World War I, Thomas wrote mostly about subjects unrelated to war, as the above poems illustrate. Having formed a close friendship with Robert Frost during the latter’s time in England, he was encouraged to write poetry at the American’s advice. One of Frost’s most famous poems, “The Road Not Taken,” was inspired by one of the walks that he and Thomas took in the woods — and eventually led Thomas, who was indecisive about whether he should serve his country for the war — to enlist. He signed up for service in 1915 and was killed in action during the Battle of Arras in 1917. His influence was great and wide; fellow English poet Ted Hughes referred to him as “the father of us all.”
Edward Thomas (1878–1917) was a British poet, essayist, and novelist. Although considered one of the war poets of World War I, Thomas wrote mostly about subjects unrelated to war, as the above poems illustrate. Having formed a close friendship with Robert Frost during the latter’s time in England, he was encouraged to write poetry at the American’s advice. One of Frost’s most famous poems, “The Road Not Taken,” was inspired by one of the walks that he and Thomas took in the woods — and eventually led Thomas, who was indecisive about whether he should serve his country for the war — to enlist. He signed up for service in 1915 and was killed in action during the Battle of Arras in 1917. His influence was great and wide; fellow English poet Ted Hughes referred to him as “the father of us all.”
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