Biography

Thomas Sterns (T.S.) Elliot left a lasting impression on not only England’s culture but America's as well. Elliot described himself as “a Catholic cast of mind, a Calvinist heritage, and a Puritanical temperament” in his book, On Poets and Poetry. Known mostly for his many poems and other writings, Elliot grew up in New Orleans as part of a wealthy and influential family. He later moved to England where he would stay and even gain citizenship. Brought up in the Unitarian Church eventually Elliot would convert to Anglicanism. He served as a churchwarden in his parish. He was a teacher, and a banker, and finished out his employment career as a director of publishing. All the while Elliot was writing “on the side “producing poems, reviews, and plays. The Waste Land, Hollow Men, and Ash Wednesday are just a few of Elliot’s works that have left a lasting impression on many cultures. Elliot was born in 1888 and died at the age of 76 in London, England, on January 4, 1965.

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer