Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer known for his powerful and evocative works, including poems like "Do not go gentle into that good night" and "And death shall have no dominion," the play "Under Milk Wood," and prose pieces such as "A Child's Christmas in Wales." He achieved significant fame during his lifetime, which continued after his early death at 39. Thomas cultivated an image as a rebellious and troubled artist, solidifying his reputation as a literary figure of great intensity and enduring appeal.
1906: Birth of Nancy Marles Thomas
Dylan Thomas's sister, Nancy Marles Thomas, was born in 1906.
1913: Birth of Caitlin Macnamara
Caitlin Macnamara was born in 1913.
October 1914: Birth of Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas was born on October 27, 1914 in Swansea to Florence Hannah and David John 'Jack' Thomas.
October 1914: Dylan Thomas is Born
On October 27, 1914, Dylan Marlais Thomas was born in Uplands, Swansea.
1914: Birth and Upbringing
Dylan Thomas was born in Uplands, Swansea in 1914.
1921: Welsh Language Dominance in Fernhill
The 1921 census indicated that 95% of residents in the two parishes around Fernhill were Welsh speakers, highlighting the dominance of the Welsh language in the region.
1921: Census Records Dylan Thomas as Bilingual
The 1921 census recorded Dylan and Nancy Thomas as speaking both Welsh and English.
October 1925: Enrollment at Swansea Grammar School
Dylan Thomas enrolled at Swansea Grammar School for boys in October 1925.
June 1928: Victory in School Mile Race
In June 1928, Dylan Thomas won the school's mile race at St. Helen's Ground.
1929: Early Theatrical Involvement
From 1929 to 1934, Dylan Thomas immersed himself in the world of theatre, taking on roles as an actor, writer, producer, and set painter. His involvement spanned productions at Swansea Grammar School, the YMCA Junior Players, and the Little Theatre in Mumbles.
1930: Early Poetry Writing
Dylan Thomas started writing poetry in notebooks in 1930.
1930: First Poem in Notebook
Dylan Thomas's first poem, entitled "Osiris, come to Isis," was recorded in his notebook on April 27, 1930.
1931: Start of Journalism Career
Dylan Thomas began his career as a reporter for the South Wales Daily Post in 1931, at the age of 16.
1932: Dylan Thomas Becomes a Reporter
In 1932, Dylan Thomas left school to become a reporter for the South Wales Daily Post.
May 1933: Publication of "And death shall have no dominion"
In May 1933, Dylan Thomas's poem "And death shall have no dominion" appeared in the New English Weekly, marking an early milestone in his literary career.
July 1933: Attendance at Oswald Mosley Rally
In July 1933, against the backdrop of a politically charged era, Dylan Thomas, known for his left-leaning sympathies, attended an Oswald Mosley rally at the Plaza cinema in Swansea alongside Bert Trick.
October 1933: Theatrical Pursuits in Mumbles
Between October 1933 and March 1934, Dylan Thomas actively participated in five stage productions at the Mumbles theatre, showcasing his passion for acting and production.
1933: First Visit to London
In 1933, Dylan Thomas embarked on his inaugural journey to London.
March 1934: Theatrical Pursuits in Mumbles
Between October 1933 and March 1934, Dylan Thomas actively participated in five stage productions at the Mumbles theatre, showcasing his passion for acting and production.
March 1934: Publication of "After the Fair"
Dylan Thomas's first published prose work, "After the Fair", appeared in The New English Weekly in March 1934.
May 1934: First Visit to Laugharne
In May 1934, Dylan Thomas made his inaugural visit to Laugharne, a town he described as "the strangest town in Wales." He documented his impressions of the town's unique character in a detailed letter to Pamela Hansford Johnson.
December 1934: Publication of "18 Poems"
December 1934 marked the publication of Dylan Thomas's first poetry volume, "18 Poems." This critically acclaimed volume, noted for its visionary qualities, garnered attention from literary luminaries like T.S. Eliot, Geoffrey Grigson, and Stephen Spender.
1934: Continued Poetry Writing
Dylan Thomas continued to write poetry until 1934, amassing 200 poems in four notebooks.
1934: Literary Recognition
The publication of Dylan Thomas's poem "Light breaks where no sun shines" in 1934 brought him to the attention of the literary world.
1934: Start of Period Covered in "Collected Poems, 1934–1952"
This date marks the beginning of the period covered in Dylan Thomas's "Collected Poems, 1934–1952."
September 1935: Meeting Vernon Watkins
September 1935 marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship between Dylan Thomas and Vernon Watkins. Thomas introduced Watkins to his circle of friends, known as The Kardomah Gang.
December 1935: Contribution to "New Verse"
In December 1935, Dylan Thomas contributed his poem "The Hand That Signed the Paper" to Issue 18 of the bi-monthly publication "New Verse."
1936: Meeting Caitlin Macnamara
In early 1936, Dylan Thomas crossed paths with Caitlin Macnamara, a 22-year-old dancer, at The Wheatsheaf pub on Rathbone Place in London's West End. They embarked on a courtship in the latter part of 1936, leading to their marriage in July 1937.
1936: Publication of "Twenty-five Poems"
In 1936, Dylan Thomas published "Twenty-five Poems," a collection that included "And death shall have no dominion."
1936: Publication of "Twenty-five Poems"
In 1936, Dylan Thomas's next poetry collection, "Twenty-five Poems," was released by J.M. Dent, receiving substantial critical acclaim.
July 1937: Marriage to Caitlin Macnamara
On July 11, 1937, Dylan Thomas married Caitlin Macnamara in Penzance, Cornwall, marking a pivotal moment in his personal life.
1937: Marriage to Caitlin Macnamara
Dylan Thomas married Caitlin Macnamara in 1937.
May 1938: Move to Laugharne
In May 1938, Dylan and Caitlin Thomas relocated to Wales, renting a cottage in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire. They resided there intermittently for nearly two years until July 1941.
1938: Oscar Blumenthal Prize and New Directions Publisher
In 1938, Dylan Thomas achieved two significant milestones. He received the Oscar Blumenthal Prize for Poetry, recognizing his literary talent, and New Directions offered to become his publisher in the United States, expanding his reach to a wider audience.
January 1939: Birth of Llewelyn Edouard
On January 30, 1939, Dylan and Caitlin Thomas welcomed their first child, Llewelyn Edouard, into the world.
1939: Shift in Prose Writing Style
After 1939, Dylan Thomas's writing shifted towards more direct and straightforward narratives.
1939: Publication of The Map of Love
In 1939, Thomas published "The Map of Love," a collection of his poems and short stories that had been previously published in magazines.
July 1940: Relocation to Gloucestershire
In July 1940, facing financial difficulties and pressure from creditors, Thomas and his family left Laugharne and moved to John Davenport's home in Marshfield, Gloucestershire.
1940: Publication of "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog"
Dylan Thomas published the short story collection "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog" in 1940, showcasing his skill in writing prose poetry.
February 1941: Bombing of Swansea
In February 1941, Swansea was heavily bombed by the Luftwaffe, destroying many streets, including Castle Street and the Kardomah Café, a place of significance for Thomas.
May 1941: Move to London and Work with Strand Films
In May 1941, Thomas and Caitlin moved to London, hoping for work in the film industry. He secured a job with Strand Films, producing films for the MOI, marking his first consistent income since his time with the South Wales Daily Post.
July 1941: Departure from Laugharne
In May 1938, Dylan and Caitlin Thomas relocated to Wales, renting a cottage in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire. They resided there intermittently for nearly two years until July 1941.
1941: Temporary Residence at Plas Gelli
Between 1941 and 1943, the Thomas family intermittently resided at Plas Gelli in Talsarn, Cardiganshire, sharing the mansion with childhood friends from Swansea.
1942: Scripting for Strand Films
During 1942, Thomas wrote scripts for at least five films for Strand Films, including "This Is Colour" and "New Towns for Old."
1942: Start of Work with Ministry of Information
Starting in 1942, Thomas began working with the Ministry of Information (MOI), scripting documentaries on topics like urban planning and wartime patriotism.
March 1943: Birth of Aeronwy Thomas
Caitlin gave birth to their daughter, Aeronwy, in March 1943 while living in a modest studio in Chelsea, London.
July 1944: Relocation to Blaencwm and Resumption of Poetry Writing
In July 1944, due to the threat of German bombs in London, Thomas moved to his family cottage in Blaencwm, Carmarthenshire, where he resumed writing poetry, completing works such as "Holy Spring" and "Vision and Prayer."
December 1944: Recording of Quite Early One Morning
Thomas recorded "Quite Early One Morning" in December 1944 for the Welsh BBC, produced by Aneirin Talfan Davies.
August 1945: Broadcast of Quite Early One Morning
On August 31, 1945, the BBC Home Service broadcast Thomas's "Quite Early One Morning."
August 1945: Continued Work on Fern Hill
Thomas continued working on his poem "Fern Hill" in August 1945 at Blaencwm.
October 1945: First Publication of Fern Hill
October 1945 marked the first publication of Thomas's poem "Fern Hill."
October 1945: Increased BBC Broadcasts
Starting in October 1945, Thomas began making over a hundred broadcasts for the BBC over the next three years, including poetry readings, discussions, and critiques.
1945: Publication of "Fern Hill"
In 1945, Dylan Thomas published his lyrical poem "Fern Hill", inspired by his childhood memories of Fernhill farm.
1946: Publication of "In my Craft or Sullen Art"
Dylan Thomas published "In my Craft or Sullen Art" within the "Deaths and Entrances" collection in 1946.
1947: Robert Lowell Defends Thomas's Greatness
In 1947, Robert Lowell defended Dylan Thomas amidst criticism, arguing that the disputes about his greatness were misguided. Lowell praised Thomas as a "dazzling obscure writer" who could be enjoyed without complete understanding.
1948: Philip Larkin and Kingsley Amis on Thomas's Poetry
In 1948, Philip Larkin acknowledged Dylan Thomas's ability to "stick words into us like pins" but questioned the effectiveness of his language use. Kingsley Amis was harsher, finding little merit in Thomas's work and offering scathing criticism.
1948: Thomas's Disdain for Welsh Nationalism
In 1948, Dylan Thomas expressed his dislike for Welsh nationalism through the character Owen Morgan-Vaughan in his screenplay "The Three Weird Sisters." While the famous line "Land of my fathers, and my fathers can keep it" is often attributed to Thomas himself, it originates from this character. Thomas's stance strained his relationships, notably with Glyn Jones, who felt their friendship cooled due to Thomas's disapproval of Welsh nationalism.
May 1949: Move to the Boat House and Onset of Chest Problems
In May 1949, Dylan Thomas moved to the Boat House in Laugharne, which he nicknamed the "bronchial heronry." Shortly after moving in, he began experiencing significant chest problems, seeking medical attention and receiving medication for his chest and throat.
1949: Return to Laugharne
After their initial stay in Laugharne from May 1938 to July 1941, Dylan and Caitlin Thomas returned to live in the town in 1949.
1950: Publication of "In the White Giant's Thigh"
Dylan Thomas published the poem 'In the White Giant's Thigh' in 1950.
1951: Financial Difficulties and Move to London
In 1951, despite having wealthy patrons, Dylan Thomas faced financial struggles. Margaret Taylor, one of his patrons, purchased a property at 54 Delancey Street in Camden Town, London, where Thomas and Caitlin lived in the basement flat. However, Thomas described the flat as his "London house of horror" and didn't return after his 1952 tour of America.
May 1952: Publication of "Llareggub. A Piece for Radio Perhaps"
In May 1952, a shortened version of the first half of "The Town That Was Mad" was published in Botteghe Oscure with the title "Llareggub. A Piece for Radio Perhaps."
November 1952: Publication of "Collected Poems, 1934–1952" and Critical Acclaim
In November 1952, at the age of 38, Dylan Thomas published "Collected Poems, 1934–1952," which won the Foyle poetry prize. Philip Toynbee, a critic, praised Thomas as "the greatest living poet in the English language."
November 1952: Title Change to "Under Milk Wood" and Writing Challenges
By November 1952, the title of "Llareggub. A Piece for Radio Perhaps" had changed to "Under Milk Wood." Thomas, however, struggled to complete the second half of the play, expressing his difficulties in a letter to the editor of Botteghe Oscure.
December 1952: Death of Dylan Thomas's Father
Dylan Thomas's father, D.J. Thomas, passed away in December 1952.
1952: Second US Tour, Health Issues, and Recording of "A Child's Christmas in Wales"
In 1952, during his second US tour, Thomas, along with Caitlin, faced health issues due to heavy drinking. Despite this, he recorded his poetry, including "A Child's Christmas in Wales," which gained significant popularity in America.
1952: Thomas Refutes Welsh Influence in Poetry
In 1952, Dylan Thomas wrote to Stephen Spender, denying the influence of Welsh bardic poetry on his work, despite his deep connection to Wales. He stated that he couldn't read Welsh and rejected the notion of 'Welshness' in his poetry.
1952: Second Tour of the United States and Departure from London Flat
In 1952, Dylan Thomas embarked on his second tour of the United States, accompanied by Caitlin. During this period, he chose not to return to the basement flat in Camden Town, London, which he had found unpleasant.
1952: Death of David John 'Jack' Thomas
David John 'Jack' Thomas passed away in 1952.
April 1953: Third Tour of America and Premiere of "Under Milk Wood"
In April 1953, Dylan Thomas embarked on his third solo tour of America. During this tour, he performed a work-in-progress version of "Under Milk Wood" for the first time at Harvard University on May 3rd. A week later, he performed the play with a full cast at the Poetry Centre in New York.
October 1953: Submission of "Under Milk Wood" Manuscript and Final Tour
On October 15, 1953, Dylan Thomas submitted the original manuscript of "Under Milk Wood" to Douglas Cleverdon. After receiving a copy, Thomas lost the original in a London pub. He flew to America on October 19th for his final tour, during which he passed away before the BBC could record the play.
October 1953: Arrival in New York, Rehearsals, and Deteriorating Health
On October 20, 1953, Dylan Thomas arrived in New York for his final tour, organized by John Brinnin. Liz Reitell, Brinnin's assistant, was alarmed by Thomas's frail appearance and shaky demeanor. Despite his condition, Thomas participated in the first rehearsal of "Under Milk Wood" and spent time at the White Horse Tavern before returning to the Chelsea Hotel.
October 1953: Farewell to Mother and Departure for America
On October 9, 1953, Dylan Thomas bid farewell to his mother, Florence, as he left Laugharne for his fourth trip to America. He felt compelled to leave the country due to his worsening chest problems.
November 1953: Death of Dylan Thomas
On November 9, 1953, Dylan Thomas died in New York City at the age of 39.
1953: Dylan Thomas's Final Trip to New York and Death
In 1953, during his fourth trip to New York, Dylan Thomas became gravely ill, fell into a coma, and died on November 9th. His body was returned to Wales and buried on November 25th at St. Martin's churchyard in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire.
1953: Death of Nancy Marles Thomas
Nancy Marles Thomas passed away in 1953.
1953: Personal Tragedies and Loss
The winter of 1952/3 and the spring of 1953 brought a series of personal tragedies for Dylan Thomas, including the deaths of his father and sister, the overdose of a patron, the deaths of three young friends, and Caitlin's abortion.
1954: First Broadcast and Recognition of "Under Milk Wood"
In 1954, "Under Milk Wood" was broadcast for the first time by the BBC, with Richard Burton starring. The play was later adapted into a film also starring Burton, alongside Elizabeth Taylor. That same year, "Under Milk Wood" was awarded the Prix Italia for literary or dramatic programmes.
1954: Publication of "Quite Early One Morning"
In 1954, Dylan Thomas published a collection of prose poetry titled "Quite Early One Morning".
1954: Publication of Elder Olson's Critical Study
In 1954, Elder Olson published a critical analysis of Dylan Thomas's poetry, highlighting the difficulty in categorizing his work due to its unique and unclassifiable nature.
1954: Stravinsky's Tribute to Dylan Thomas
In 1954, composer Igor Stravinsky, an admirer of Thomas's poetry, composed "In Memoriam Dylan Thomas" as a tribute following the poet's death the previous year. This composition premiered in Los Angeles with an introduction by Aldous Huxley, highlighting Thomas's impact on Stravinsky.
1955: Publication of John Brinnin's Biography
John Brinnin's biography "Dylan Thomas in America" was published in 1955, solidifying Thomas's image as a reckless and troubled poet.
1956: The Movement's Critique of Thomas
The 1956 publication of "New Lines," an anthology representing The Movement, presented a vision of modern poetry that contrasted sharply with the poets of the 1940s, including Dylan Thomas. Thomas's work was particularly targeted for its perceived obscurity and romanticism.
1957: Publication of Caitlin Thomas's Autobiography
Caitlin Thomas, Dylan Thomas's widow, published her autobiography, "Caitlin Thomas - Leftover Life to Kill", in 1957.
August 1958: Death of Dylan Thomas's Mother
Dylan Thomas's mother, Florence Thomas, passed away in August 1958.
1958: Death of Florence Hannah Thomas
Florence Hannah Thomas passed away in 1958.
1962: Debate Over Thomas's Legacy
In 1962, David Holbrook published "Llareggub Revisited," arguing that attitudes towards poetry surrounding Dylan Thomas had overshadowed his true voice and ultimately harmed his legacy. Holbrook highlighted the focus on Thomas's personality and mythology, particularly his drinking and death, rather than his poetry.
1962: Publication of "A Reader's Guide to Dylan Thomas"
William York Tindall published "A Reader's Guide to Dylan Thomas" in 1962, exploring the influences of James Joyce, Arthur Rimbaud, and D.H. Lawrence on Thomas's poetry.
1965: Publication of FitzGibbon's Biography
Constantine FitzGibbon published a biography of Dylan Thomas in 1965, which downplayed Thomas's struggles with alcohol and offered a limited account of his death.
1981: David Lodge on The Movement's Rejection of Thomas
In 1981, David Lodge wrote about The Movement's rejection of Dylan Thomas, stating that Thomas represented everything they disliked in poetry: verbal obscurity, metaphysical pretense, and romantic rhapsodizing.
1982: Plaque Unveiled in Poets' Corner for Thomas
In 1982, a plaque honoring Dylan Thomas was unveiled in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey, further solidifying his place in literary history. The plaque includes the last two lines of his poem "Fern Hill."
1989: Publication of Ferris's Biography
In 1989, Paul Ferris published a biography of Dylan Thomas that acknowledged his heavy drinking but also offered a more critical perspective on the people surrounding Thomas during his final days.
1994: Death of Caitlin Macnamara
Caitlin Macnamara passed away in 1994.
1994: Death of Caitlin Thomas
Caitlin Thomas, Dylan Thomas's widow, died in 1994 and was buried next to him.
1997: Publication of Caitlin Thomas's Second Autobiography
Caitlin Thomas published a second autobiography titled, "My Life with Dylan Thomas: Double Drink Story", in 1997
2000: Death of Llewelyn Thomas
Llewelyn Thomas, Dylan Thomas's eldest son, died in 2000.
2004: Publication of "Death by Neglect"
In 2004, D.N. Thomas and Simon Barton published a paper titled "Death by Neglect", revealing that Dylan Thomas had been suffering from various respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, and asthma, before his hospitalization.
2004: Dylan Thomas Prize Established
The Dylan Thomas Prize was established in 2004 to recognize the best published writer in English under the age of 30, a testament to Thomas's enduring influence on literature.
2005: Dylan Thomas Screenplay Award Created
In 2005, the Dylan Thomas Screenplay Award was established, recognizing excellence in screenwriting and further honoring Thomas's artistic legacy. The award is presented at the annual Swansea Bay Film Festival.
2008: Recognition of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" Recording
In 2008, Dylan Thomas's 1952 recording of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" was selected for the United States National Recording Registry, recognizing its significance in launching the audiobook industry in the US.
2009: Death of Aeronwy Thomas
Aeronwy Thomas, Dylan Thomas's daughter, died in 2009.
2009: Thomas Ranks 10th in BBC's Favorite Poet Poll
In 2009, a BBC poll to determine the UK's favorite poet placed Dylan Thomas in 10th place, demonstrating his enduring popularity with the public.
2012: Death of Colm Thomas
Colm Thomas, Dylan Thomas's younger son, died in 2012.
2013: Prince of Wales Records "Fern Hill"
In 2013, Charles, Prince of Wales, recorded a rendition of Dylan Thomas's poem "Fern Hill" for National Poetry Day.
2014: Royal Patronage of Dylan Thomas 100 Festival
In 2014, Charles, Prince of Wales, served as the Royal Patron of The Dylan Thomas 100 Festival.
2014: Centenary Celebration of Dylan Thomas's Birth
In 2014, the centenary of Dylan Thomas's birth was celebrated with a year-long program of cultural and educational events organized by the British Council Wales. Highlights included a touring replica of Thomas's work shed, an exhibition of Sir Peter Blake's illustrations based on Under Milk Wood, and a 36-hour reading marathon featuring performances by Michael Sheen and Sir Ian McKellen.
2019: Dylan Thomas in Popular Culture
In 2019, Dylan Thomas was mentioned in the song "Dylan Thomas" by the band Better Oblivion Community Center. The actor Dylan Sprouse and Columbine shooter Dylan Klebold were both named after him.
June 2022: BBC Radio 4's In Our Time Features Thomas
In June 2022, Dylan Thomas was the subject of BBC Radio 4's program "In Our Time," indicating his continued relevance and interest to audiences.