Algernon Charles Swinburne

Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837 – 1909) was an English poet, playwright, novelist and critic. He was a leader in the rebellion against the conservative values of the Victorian era. While studying at Oxford he associated with members of the Pre-Raphaelite circle and some of his poetry reflects the brooding beauty and melancholy of their paintings. His books include Songs Before Sunrise (1871) and Poems and Ballads (1878).