# Walter de la Mare

> English poet and fiction writer (1873–1956)

**Wikidata**: [Q981086](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q981086)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_de_la_Mare)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/walter-de-la-mare

## Summary
Walter de la Mare was an English poet and fiction writer known primarily for his significant contributions to children's literature and lyric poetry. His works are celebrated for their evocative imagery, sense of wonder, and exploration of the supernatural and psychological.

## Biography
- Born: 1873–1956 (Dates known; place not specified in source)
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Education: Not specified in source
- Known for: Pioneering work in children's literature and lyric poetry
- Employer(s): Not specified in source
- Field(s): Poet, Fiction writer, Children's writer, Novelist, Prose writer

## Contributions
Walter de la Mare authored numerous poems and works of fiction. He established a significant reputation in lyric poetry, known for expressing intense thoughts. He made foundational contributions to children's literature, creating works targeted primarily at children that achieved critical and popular acclaim. His fiction writing spanned novels and prose, contributing to the broader literary landscape. His work was formally recognized through major literary awards including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction and the Carnegie Medal for children's literature. He was also honoured with the Order of Merit for his distinguished service.

## FAQs
- **What was Walter de la Mare's nationality?** Walter de la Mare was English, a national of the United Kingdom.
- **What genres did Walter de la Mare primarily write in?** He wrote primarily in lyric poetry and children's literature, but also worked as a novelist and prose writer.
- **Is Walter de la Mare known for any specific type of poetry?** Yes, he is particularly noted for his lyric poetry, which expresses intense thoughts.
- **What major award did Walter de la Mare receive for children's writing?** He received the Carnegie Medal, an annual award for a children's book published in the UK.
- **Did Walter de la Mare receive any significant national honours?** Yes, he was awarded the Order of Merit, a dynastic order recognising distinguished service in Commonwealth realms.

## Why They Matter
Walter de la Mare profoundly shaped the landscape of children's literature, moving beyond simple narratives towards works rich in atmosphere, psychological depth, and subtle fantasy. His lyric poetry, characterised by its intense feeling and evocative imagery, influenced generations of poets and readers. He demonstrated the power of language to create wonder and explore the subconscious, setting a benchmark for quality and imagination in both adult and juvenile fiction. Without his contributions, the specific blend of lyricism, mystery, and psychological insight that defines a significant portion of mid-20th century English children's literature would be markedly different.

## Notable For
- Recipient of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction.
- Recipient of the Carnegie Medal for children's literature.
- Recipient of the Order of Merit for distinguished service.
- Significant figure in the development of English lyric poetry.
- Pioneering contributor to children's literature, creating works of lasting acclaim.
- Recognised for works in multiple genres: poetry, fiction, children's literature, novels, and prose.

## Body

### Life and Identity
Walter de la Mare (1873–1956) was an English poet and fiction writer. He is also known by the aliases Walter Ramal and Walter John de la Mare. His primary identity was as a writer, encompassing the specific roles of poet, fiction writer, children's writer, novelist, and prose writer. As a human, he was a member of the species *Homo sapiens*.

### Literary Career and Fields
De la Mare worked extensively in the field of literature. His core area was lyric poetry, a type of poetry defined by its expression of intense thoughts. He was also a significant figure in children's literature, writing literature targeted primarily at children. Furthermore, he contributed as a novelist and a prose writer, demonstrating versatility across written forms. His work is associated with the United Kingdom, the island country in north-west Europe where he lived and wrote.

### Key Contributions
De la Mare's primary contributions were his published works in poetry and fiction. He built a substantial body of work across children's literature and adult lyric poetry. His fiction writing included novels and prose works. His discoveries and influences lie in the atmospheres he created, the psychological depths he explored, and the unique blend of wonder and subtlety he brought to both children's and adult literature. His impact is evident in the critical recognition and enduring popularity of his works.

### Recognition and Awards
De la Mare's work received significant recognition. He was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, a British literary prize for English language fiction awarded since 1919. He also received the Carnegie Medal, an annual award established in 1936 specifically for writing a children's book published in the United Kingdom. His most prestigious honour was the Order of Merit, a dynastic order established in 1902 recognising distinguished service in Commonwealth realms. His work is documented on 31 Wikipedia pages, reflecting the breadth of his influence.

### Legacy and Influence
The significance of Walter de la Mare lies in his enduring influence on English literature, particularly in children's writing and lyric poetry. He helped elevate children's literature beyond simple entertainment, infusing it with sophistication and psychological complexity. His lyric poetry continues to be studied and appreciated for its intensity and evocative power. He influenced subsequent generations of writers and poets in the UK and beyond, demonstrating the lasting impact of work that combines technical skill with profound imagination.

## References

1. [Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL2425954W/The_Life_of_Walter_de_la_Mare)
2. [Source](http://writersgate.co.uk/map/london.htm)
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11. [Source](http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/english_literature_in_transition/v025/25.1.petersen.pdf)
12. [Source](https://carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/archive/carnegie-medal-winners/)
13. International Standard Name Identifier
14. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
15. MusicBrainz
16. [Source](https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf0199n420/admin/)
17. [Source](https://archives.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/repositories/2/resources/9057)
18. [Source](https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/archives/ecae8763-b01d-3327-a996-820930b93d90)
19. [Source](https://archives.nypl.org/brg/19113)
20. [Source](https://www.themorgan.org/literary-historical/193116)
21. [Source](https://norman.hrc.utexas.edu/fasearch/findingaid.cfm?eadid=00771)
22. [Source](https://library.syracuse.edu/digital/guides/d/delamare_w.htm)
23. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
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31. Proleksis Encyclopedia
32. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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34. nobelprize.org
35. CONOR.SI
36. Walter De La Mare blue plaque | Open Plaques. Open Plaques
37. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
38. Catalogo of the National Library of India