Walter de la Mare

Walter John de la Mare, OM (1873-1956) was an English poet, short story writer, and novelist, probably best remembered (though not necessarily justly so) for his works for children.

Related Topics:
OM - 1873 - 1956 - English poet - Short story - Novelist - Children

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He was born in Kent (at 83 Maryon Road, Charlton - now part of the London Borough of Greenwich), descended from a family of French Huguenots, and was educated at St Paul's Choir School. His first book, Songs of Childhood, was published under the name Walter Ramal. His first job with an oil company allowed him enough leisure time for writing, and in 1908 he received a Civil List pension which enabled him to concentrate on writing.

Related Topics:
Kent - Charlton - London Borough of Greenwich - French - Huguenot - St Paul's Choir School - 1908 - Civil List

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One of de la Mare's special interests was the imagination, and this contributed to both the popularity of his children's writing and to much of his other work being taken in some cases less seriously than it deserved.

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De la Mare also wrote some subtle psychological horror stories. Seaton's Aunt and Out of the Deep are noteworthy examples. His 1921 novel Memoirs of a Midget won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction.

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