About the Author and Collection

This early works by William Ernest Henley were originally published in the late 19th and early 20th century and we are now republishing them with a brand new introductory biography. A Selection of Poems is a collection of some the best poetry by Henley, and includes Invictus, Lady Probationer, A Child, and many more.

Biographical Details

William Ernest Henley was born on 23rd August 1849, in Gloucester, England. In 1867, Henley passed the Oxford Local Schools Examination and set off to London to establish himself as a journalist. Unfortunately, his career was frequently interrupted by long stays in hospital due to a diseased right foot which he refused to have amputated.

During a three year stay at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Henley wrote and published his collection of poetry In Hospital (1875). This publication is noteworthy in particular for being some of the earliest examples of free verse written in England.

Henley's best-remembered work is his poem Invictus, written in 1888. It is a passionate and defiant poem, reportedly written as a demonstration of resilience following the amputation of his leg.