| Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas was born in the coastal town of Swansea, Wales. His father David, who was a writer and possessed a degree in English, brought his son up to speak English rather than Thomas's mother's native Welsh.
In 1937, Thomas married Caitlin Macnamara, and would have three children with her, throughout the relationship, littered with affairs.
Thomas wrote half his poems and many short stories when he lived at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive—"And death shall have no dominion" is one of the best known works written at this address. By the time he left the family home in 1934 he was one of the most exciting young poets writing in the English language. He collapsed at the White Horse Tavern after drinking heavily while in New York City on a promotional tour and later died . His penultimate words were: "I've had 18 straight whiskeys, I think this is a record." His final words were to Liz Reitell, to whom he said "I love you, but I am alone". Following his death, his body was brought back to Wales for burial in the village churchyard at Laugharne, where he had enjoyed his happiest days. In 1994, his widow, Caitlin, was buried alongside him. Their former home, the Boat House, Laugharne, is now a memorial to Thomas.
|
