“Sir Stephen Harold Spender, who was knighted in 1983, was born in London and educated at the University College School in London and at Oxford University. His early poetry was inspired by social protest, but critics preferred his later introspective, autobiographical poems. He cofounded and coedited (1939-41) Horizon, a literary monthly, and Encounter magazine (1953-66).”

–Library of Congress Poets Laureate page