Dylan Thomas

Today many regard Dylan Thomas as a genius. As a teenager he could write profound poetry, hilarious short stories and amuse those around him at the drop of a hat.

At 21, he was the leading Anglo-Welsh poet of the time. He is equally famous for writing the play for voices Under Milk Wood, poems like Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night and stories such as A Child’s Christmas In Wales.

Dylan has inspired presidents, pop stars and people of all ages. He has remained a worldwide icon since his untimely death. Like many of us he had his problems but these have often been distorted to create a misleading image. He was charming, open and great fun. His friends frequently gave him money with little expectation of its return. He would often perform imitations to amuse his friends. And his drinking made him boisterous but rarely malicious. He was sympathetic to those less fortunate than himself.

Dylan’s brilliant eyes, curly hair and liveliness impressed women. He often tried to seduce women in bars, provoking violence in husbands. He loved to enjoy himself, no matter the state of his finances. 

Dylan Thomas – ‘a man of words’ and a man also surrounded by many myths. He is undeniably an iconic writer of the 20th Century. View the timeline of his life and his work.