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Frederick RolfeEnglish poet, prose writer, translator.
Date of Birth: 22.07.1860
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Frederick William Rolfe, Baron Corvo
- Conversion and Artistic Pursuits
- Literary Achievements
- Autobiographical Novels
- Posthumous Recognition
- Late Years and Death
Frederick William Rolfe, Baron Corvo
Frederick William Rolfe, better known by his pseudonym Baron Corvo, was an English poet, novelist, and translator. Born into a religious family, he was known for his eccentric behavior, penchant for practical jokes, and use of aliases.
Conversion and Artistic Pursuits
In 1886, Rolfe converted to Catholicism and aspired to become a priest. He studied in Rome and explored various artistic disciplines, including painting, drawing, and photography. He illustrated his own books and worked as a painter in several English churches.
Literary Achievements
Rolfe's first short stories were published in "The Yellow Book," a prominent fin-de-siècle magazine. They were later collected in "Stories Toto Told Me" (1898). He also authored a series of stylized Renaissance-era novellas, including "The Chronicles of the House of Borgia" (1901). His translation of Omar Khayyam's poetry from French gained recognition.
Autobiographical Novels
Rolfe's most notable works are his autobiographical novels. "Hadrian the Seventh" (1904) and "The Desire and Pursuit of the Whole" (1909) explore themes of homosexuality and spirituality. The explicit references to individuals from the author's circle delayed their publication for many years.
Posthumous Recognition
Rolfe's Baroque-Symbolist prose was largely unappreciated during his lifetime. However, in the mid-20th century, his work gained critical acclaim thanks to the "experimental biography" "In Search of Corvo" (1934) by bibliophile A. J. A. Symons.
Late Years and Death
Rolfe spent his final years in poverty and solitude in Venice, where he was buried in the cemetery of San Michele. Despite his tumultuous life and literary obscurity, Baron Corvo's legacy as a unique and influential author continues to captivate readers today.
