Walter de la Mare
Biography
Walter de la Mare (1873–1956) was an English poet, short story writer, and novelist celebrated for his atmospheric, dreamlike works exploring the boundaries between reality and the supernatural. Born in Charlton, Kent, he worked as a bookkeeper before a government pension allowed him to write full-time. His poetry, including "The Listeners," is among the most anthologized in English. His novels Memoirs of a Midget (1921, James Tait Black Prize) and The Return (1910) create worlds of uncanny beauty and psychological mystery. De la Mare’s work occupies a unique space between children’s literature, ghost stories, and literary fiction.
Common themes in Walter de la Mare's work
English poetry
A recurring theme throughout Walter de la Mare's writing.
Ghost stories
A recurring theme throughout Walter de la Mare's writing.
Dreamlike fiction
A recurring theme throughout Walter de la Mare's writing.
The supernatural
A recurring theme throughout Walter de la Mare's writing.
Books
Explore by genre
Other authors you may enjoy
Why Walter de la Mare is still read today
De la Mare’s atmospheric prose and poetry occupy a unique place in English literature. His ghost stories and dreamlike fiction have influenced writers from Elizabeth Bowen to Neil Gaiman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Walter de la Mare?
Walter de la Mare (1873–1956) was an English poet and novelist known for dreamlike, atmospheric works exploring the supernatural and the mysteries of perception.
What are his major works?
Memoirs of a Midget and The Return (novels), plus his celebrated poetry. Both novels are available free on TextStack.
Is he a ghost story writer?
Partly—his fiction blurs boundaries between the natural and supernatural, creating atmospheres of uncanny beauty and mystery.
Where can I read de la Mare free?
TextStack offers de la Mare’s novels to read free online.
Essential cookies keep you signed in and save your reading progress. Analytics cookies help us understand how the site is used. You can reject analytics — we still work without them. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.