Auden, Light And Dark (Press, 3 January 1981)

The biography "W.H. Auden: The Life of a Poet" by Charles Osborne, published in 1980, presents a blend of gossip and insight into the life of the renowned poet, who passed away in 1973 at the age of 66. While the author incorporates shrewd observations about Auden's work, the narrative often drifts into less critical, gossipy territory, which may be seen as a delight to the poet's posthumous reputation. Osborne diligently verifies facts, even against Auden's own recollections, but sometimes indulges in excessive detail, such as recounting a railway timetable. The biography extends beyond Auden's death, with final chapters titled “Ave atque vale” and “Obiter dicta”, where the narrative can lose momentum. Illustrations, including a cover drawing by David Hockney and photographs by Cecil Beaton, accompany the text but ultimately add little to the understanding of Auden's character. Osborne presents Auden as a complex individual—a promiscuous homosexual who mixed with notable figures, struggle with personal demons, and a man whose public persona often masked deeper truths. His return to Anglicanism at 33 is depicted as an attempt to regain control over his life, yet it did not significantly alter his behavior. The biography touches on the duality of Auden's existence, suggesting that the tension between his public life and private reality is a source of poetic inspiration. Critically, the author reflects on the intimate nature of Auden's poetry, including the revelation that the beautiful lyric "Lay your sleeping head, my love" was addressed to a male partner, which may challenge conventional interpretations of his work. The tension between Auden's aspirations and the reality of his life creates a narrative that resonates with both his struggles and triumphs as a poet. Summers concludes that while poetry is a spiritual pursuit, the life of its creator can often overshadow the work. There remains a desire to create a mythos around great artists, which can sometimes lead to oversimplification of their complexities. Osborne's portrayal captures a "truthful" representation of Auden that acknowledges both his inspirations and frailties, urging readers to appreciate the totality of the man behind the poetry. The review outlines a belief that understanding the artist’s multifaceted nature leads to a richer recognition of their literary contributions.

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