John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
Nicholas Jenkins, an associate professor of English and director of the Creative Writing Program at Stanford University, has released a new book titled "The Island: War and Belonging in Auden’s England." This publication examines the life and work of poet W.H. Auden during the interwar period, shedding light on why Auden remains significant in both popular culture and academic circles.
Jenkins explores Auden's life from approximately age 15 to 30, focusing on his formative years between 1922 and 1937. He states, "The patterns of a person's mind are laid down in the early part of their life." The book highlights how these years were crucial for Auden as he began writing poetry influenced by his experiences post-World War I. Jenkins notes that this period ended around 1937 when Auden started seeking inspiration outside England due to growing dissatisfaction with his homeland.
Edward Mendelson, Auden's literary executor and editor, describes Jenkins' book as “a Copernican revolution” in understanding the poet. The British edition was recognized as a "2024 book of the year" by the London Times Literary Supplement.
Jenkins regards Auden as representative of various aspects of English culture and society, acknowledging both their beauty and moral complexities. He criticizes previous writings about Auden for portraying him as a pseudo-philosopher or historian rather than emphasizing his poetic artistry.
In discussing nationalism's resurgence today, Jenkins reflects on a quote from Auden: “Nationalism fails not because the nation is too small a group, but because it is too large.” He relates this idea to contemporary issues like Brexit without directly mentioning it in his work. Jenkins argues that great artists like Auden remain relevant long after their death because their work can be interpreted anew over time.
When asked about what Auden might think of today's political climate, Jenkins believes he would be "deeply dismayed but probably not surprised." His research included conversations with people who knew Auden personally, which provided unique insights into the poet's character. According to Jenkins, while many met him socially, "the real Auden is someone that nobody truly met except in his poetry," echoing Hannah Arendt’s sentiment about his secretive nature.
This article was originally published by Stanford School of Humanities & Sciences.
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