Image of Vincent O'Sullivan

Timeline

Lifetime: 1868 - 1940 Passed: ≈ 84 years ago

Title

New Zealand Writer

Country/Nationality

New Zealand
Wikipedia

Vincent O'Sullivan

Vincent O'Sullivan (1868-1940) was a New Zealand poet, novelist, and short story writer. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in 20th-century New Zealand literature.

Who was he?

O'Sullivan was born in Wellington, New Zealand, to Irish parents. He studied at Victoria University College in Wellington, where he met and befriended the poet Allen Curnow. After graduating, O'Sullivan worked as a teacher and librarian.

What was his principles?

O'Sullivan was a committed socialist and pacifist. He was also a strong advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples. His work often explores themes of social justice and environmentalism.

What was he famous for?

O'Sullivan is best known for his poetry. His first collection of poems, The Otherworld, was published in 1936. He went on to publish seven more collections of poetry, including A Book of New Zealand Verse (1940), The Fires of Youth (1946), and The Age of the Fish (1963).

O'Sullivan's poetry is characterized by its lyrical beauty and its social and political engagement. He was a master of the sonnet form, and his poems often explore themes of love, loss, and the natural world.

What was his philosophy?

O'Sullivan's philosophy was one of social justice and environmentalism. He believed that poetry could be used to promote these causes. He also believed that poetry should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their social class or education.

When did he die & how is he remembered?

O'Sullivan died in Wellington in 1964. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in 20th-century New Zealand literature. His work has been translated into many languages and is still read and enjoyed by people around the world.

Notable works:

  • The Otherworld (1936): O'Sullivan's first collection of poems.
  • A Book of New Zealand Verse (1940): An anthology of New Zealand poetry, edited by O'Sullivan.
  • The Fires of Youth (1946): A collection of poems about World War II.
  • The Age of the Fish (1963): O'Sullivan's last collection of poems

Books by Vincent O'Sullivan

Human Affairs Cover image

Human Affairs

Horror Self-Help
Mystery Self-Discovery Emotion Relationships Human Nature Supernatural Fiction Psychological Introspection

Step into the labyrinth of the human psyche with "Human Affairs" by Vincent O'Sullivan—a collection of tales that unveil the enigmatic dimensions of human nature. From the shadows of our innermost thoughts to the complexities of relationships, O'Sull...

The Houses of Sin Cover image

The Houses of Sin

Poetry Children's Literature
Children Poems Dark Verses Secret Shadow

In the labyrinthine alleys of early 20th-century London, where shadows conceal more than just darkness, "The Houses of Sin" by Vincent O'Sullivan weaves a poetic tapestry of secrets and temptation. In this seductive realm, Miss Eliza Lovelace, an eni...

A Book of Bargains Cover image

A Book of Bargains

Horror Fiction
Love Morality Power Passion Desire Supernatural Fiction Haunting

In this spellbinding collection of short stories, O'Sullivan weaves a tapestry of dark bargains that leave readers questioning the boundaries of morality and the price of desires fulfilled. From a desperate artist who makes a Faustian pact for fame,...