The son of a seamstress mother and schoolteacher father, Dylan Thomas grew up to become one of the most important writers of the 20th century. His childhood was spent divided between the town life in Swansea during the school term and summers at a family farm in Carmarthenshire. This mixed town and country experience became prominent in several of his literary works.
His most famous works include the radio play Under Milk Wood, and the poem Do not go gentle into that good night, a poem about the death of his father. His written work was balanced with an avid following for his recitations, both live and over the BBC radio network. His plays and scripts were performed onstage and in the cinema, including a film production of Under Milk Wood, featuring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Dylan sometimes bitter wit is evident in the naming of the character Llareggub, which is “Bugger All” spelled backwards.
Despite the heaviness of much of his subject matter, Thomas wrote about Wales and the Welsh with an intense sensitivity and deep love. His sketch, “a Child’s Christmas in Wales” is a perennial holiday favorite, expecially the version illustrated by artist Edward Ardizzone.
Throughout his life, Thomas struggled with alcoholism and depression, dying at the young age of 39 in New York City. His short life left an immense mark on the world inspiring leagues of other writers and artists, including the great American folk singer Robert Zimmerman, who so loved Thomas’ work that he took the stage name Bob Dylan.