Spender , Sir , Stephen Harold , 1909-1995 , Knight , poet and critic

Stephen Spender was born in London, brought up in London and Norfolk, and educated at University College School in Hampstead and University College, Oxford. His first book of poetry was published in 1930 and was followed by many other works of poetry and prose, including World within World (1951), a novel heavily influenced by his earlier life and complicated sexuality. He co-edited the literary magazine Encounter 1953 until 1967, when he resigned over a funding scandal. In his later years, Spender was acclaimed as one of the leading poets writing in English and held several academic positions, including a chair at University College London (1970-1975). He received a CBE in 1962 and was knighted in 1983.