The Poems and Prose of Ernest Dowson, With a Memoir by Arthur Symons (eBook)

Ernest Christopher Dowson (1867-1900) was an English poet, novelist, and short-story writer, often associated with the Decadent movement that emerged in late 19th-century Europe. Renowned for his intense lyricism and a penchant for exploring themes of ephemeral beauty and the transience of life, Dowson's work is characterized by a melancholic and wistful tone, which deeply reflects his troubled personal life and premature death at the age of 32. His best-known verse, 'Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae,' from his collection 'Verses' (1896), captures his literary preoccupation with idealized, unattainable love and is frequently cited for its haunting refrain, 'I have been faithful to thee, Cynara! in my fashion.' Dowson's contributions to literature also include his novel 'Adrian Rome' and several short stories, in which he frequently deployed a delicate and ornate prose style. Despite a life marred by financial struggles, alcoholism, and ill health, Dowson's work left a lasting impact on English literature, influencing contemporaries and later writers like W.B. Yeats and Oscar Wilde. His life and legacy are preserved in 'The Poems and Prose of Ernest Dowson, With a Memoir by Arthur Symons,' where Symons, a fellow poet and close friend, provides insight into the tragic yet artistic life of a poet who epitomized the spirit of the fin de siècle. Dowson's lyrical contributions remain a testament to the enduring power of beauty and sadness in literature.