Francis Thompson

Francis Thompson (1859-1907) was an English poet and Catholic mystic. He is best known for his poem The Hound of Heaven, a powerful allegory of God's pursuit of the human soul. Thompson's poetry is characterized by its rich imagery, its passionate religious fervor, and its complex philosophical themes.

Early Life

Thompson was born in Preston, Lancashire, England, in 1859. He was the son of a doctor and a devout Catholic. Thompson attended Ushaw College, a Catholic seminary, where he studied theology and philosophy. However, he left the seminary in 1877 to pursue a career as a writer.

Struggle with Addiction

Thompson's early life was marked by poverty and addiction. He became addicted to opium after being prescribed the drug for a medical condition. Thompson's addiction led to a period of homelessness and destitution. However, he eventually overcame his addiction with the help of his friends and family.

Poetic Success

Thompson's first book of poetry, Poems, was published in 1893. The book was a critical and commercial success, and it established Thompson as one of the leading poets of his generation. Thompson's subsequent works of poetry include Sister Songs (1895) and New Poems (1897).

Philosophy

Thompson's poetry is deeply influenced by his Catholic faith. He believed that art should be a means of spiritual transcendence. Thompson's poetry is also informed by his studies of philosophy and theology. He was particularly interested in the works of Plato and St. Augustine.

Death and Legacy

Thompson died of tuberculosis in 1907, at the age of 47. He is buried in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery in Kensal Green, London.

Thompson is remembered as one of the greatest English poets of the late Victorian era. His poetry is still widely read and admired today.

Interesting Facts

• Thompson was a close friend of the poet and critic Wilfred Meynell. Meynell was instrumental in helping Thompson publish his first book of poetry.
• Thompson was also a friend of the writer and editor G.K. Chesterton. Chesterton was a great admirer of Thompson's poetry, and he wrote a critical biography of Thompson after his death.
• Thompson's poem The Hound of Heaven has been adapted for film and television on several occasions. The most famous adaptation is the 1979 film The Hound of Heaven, starring Christopher Plummer and John Gielgud.