Home > Authors > D. H. Lawrence

Introduction

D.H. Lawrence

You’ll either love him or hate him for what and how he writes, but there is no denying that D. H. Lawrence is an extraordinarily important figure in English-language literature. A prolific author of essays, plays, poems, short stories, and novels, Lawrence focused throughout much of his work on the physical and emotional relationships between men and women, subjects which drew Lawrence into considerable controversy. His novels Lady Chatterley’s Lover and Sons and Lovers were censored or outright banned because of their sexual content, and some of his manuscripts were even seized by British authorities for perceived indecency. Despite his initially shaky reception, Lawrence is now recognized by many critics as a masterful writer who would not shy away from depicting complex human interactions.

Essential Facts

1. Lawrence’s childhood was marked by poverty and family discord. He later said that one of the more depressing things he did as an adult was to go back and visit where he grew up.
2. In 1912, Lawrence met Frieda Weekley, the wife of his former college professor. Frieda and Lawrence eloped one month later, creating quite a social scandal.
3. While living in Germany with Frieda, Lawrence was arrested and accused of being a British spy. Later, when the couple returned to England, Lawrence was accused of being a German spy.
4. Lawrence once took a walking tour from Germany to Italy so that he could write a travel book.
5. Lawrence also wrote a book about British history. However, he had to use a pen name because of his stained reputation.