Dylan Thomas

"Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" and an excerpt from "A Child's Christmas in Wales"

Published October 5, 2000 7:00PM (EDT)

Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) began his writing career as a journalist in his native town of Swansea, Wales. He then moved to London where he worked in broadcasting and wrote film scripts, prose, and drama to earn enough money to enable him to write what he most wanted to -- poetry. In December of 1934 his first book of poetry, "Eighteen Poems", appeared to critical acclaim.

During his fourth lecture tour of the United States in 1953, and a few days after his 39th birthday, he collapsed in his New York hotel. He died on November 9th at St Vincents Hospital, New York. His body was sent back to Laugharne, Wales, where his grave is marked by a simple wooden cross.

"A Child's Christmas in Wales" is a glowing labor of love that showcases Thomas's unique ability to forge feelings into words and words into music.

Hear Thomas's recollection of the sounds and smells of a long-ago Christmas in the seaside town of his youth, and also his famous poem "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night." The following excerpts of Thomas's vivid performances are provided by Harper Audio.


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