A Shropshire Lad

A.E. Housman was born on March 26, 1859 in England. He attended Oxford University, carefully poring over Latin texts, and often correcting them. He was soon appointed to a professorship at University College, London, and later at Cambridge. He is a noted scholar and poet, famed for his sparse, simplistic style. Housman's life and work were largely influenced by his homosexuality. Most recognized for his collection of poetry, The Shropshire Lad, he also left a large volume of secret homosexual works. His works often took as their subjects the English countryside, youth, and melancholy; the latter probably brought on by his love for fellow classmate Moses Jackson. His sexual preference ultimately led to a rejection of love and a reclusive life, where he refused to discuss his poetry. A.E. Housman died on April 30, 1936 in Cambridge.