Four Years

"Four Years" by W. B. Yeats is an autobiographical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative focuses on the formative years of Yeats's life, particularly from 1887 to 1891, capturing his experiences and interactions with notable figures in art and literature during a period of personal and artistic development. The opening of "Four Years" introduces readers to the young Yeats as he reflects on his family's move from Dublin to Bedford Park, a quiet area in London, where he becomes immersed in the artistic atmosphere influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement. He recalls the contrasting feelings of nostalgia for his childhood, artistic aspirations, and a sense of disillusionment with the changes in society and art. The early chapters explore his relationships with various artists and intellectuals, including W. E. Henley and Oscar Wilde, providing insight into Yeats's evolving identity as a poet and thinker amidst the vibrant yet tumultuous cultural landscape of the time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, dramatist and writer, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. He was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival, and along with Lady Gregory founded the Abbey Theatre, serving as its chief during its early years. He was awarded the 1923 Nobel Prize in Literature, and later served two terms as a Senator of the Irish Free State.