Richard Church (poet)

Richard Church (26 March 1893 – 4 March 1972) was a British poet, novelist, critic, and biographer. Born in Battersea, London, Church's literary career spanned much of the 20th century. He is often associated with the Georgian poets, although his style evolved beyond the traditional romanticism typically ascribed to that movement.

Church worked for the British Civil Service for many years before dedicating himself fully to writing. He held positions in the Customs and Excise department, which provided a stable income while he pursued his literary ambitions. His experiences within this bureaucratic environment subtly influenced his understanding of human nature and societal structures, which later found expression in his work.

Church's poetry is characterized by its lyrical quality, its exploration of nature and the human condition, and its thoughtful reflection on themes of time, memory, and mortality. His collections include Flood of Life (1917), The Portrait of the Abbot (1926), Twelve Noon (1936), and Collected Poems (1948). While his poetry is less widely known than some of his contemporaries, it is valued for its craftsmanship and sincerity.

In addition to poetry, Church wrote several successful novels, including High Summer (1931), which won the Femina Vie Heureuse Prize, and The Porch (1937), which is often considered his masterpiece. His novels often explore the inner lives of ordinary people, set against the backdrop of English landscapes.

He was also a prolific literary critic and biographer. His critical works include studies of English poets and novelists, while his biographies include accounts of notable figures such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift. Church's critical writings are marked by their insightful observations and their appreciation for the complexities of human character.

Richard Church's contributions to English literature were recognized during his lifetime. He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1957 for his services to literature. He remains a significant, if somewhat underappreciated, figure in 20th-century British literature.