Despised poetry - Oscar Wilde

One could say that the British writer Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was not a big fan of Alexander Pope’s (1688-1744) poetry, despite the fact that Pope was an eminent English poet.

On one occasion, Wilde wrote:

“There are two ways of disliking poetry; one way is to dislike it, the other is to read Pope.”

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Note from an editor – Charles Dickens

While he was an editor of the weekly magazine “Household Words”, famous English writer Charles Dickens (1812 - 1870) received a poem from a young poet with a request to publish it.

Poem’s title was “Orient Pearls at Random Strung”.

Dickens read it and decided not to publish it.  Since he didn’t wanted for the young poet to have to many hopes of publishing, he sent him a notice to inform him about his decision.

“I regret to inform you that your poem will not be published in our magazine. Too much string. Yours, Charles Dickens. “

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The name – Bob Dylan

In 1962, young American singer-songwriter Robert Allen Zimmerman officially changed his name to Bob Dylan. Allegedly, he did it in the memory of one of his literary idols, Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (1914-1953).

Robert was 21 when he done that, and he was just 12 when Dylan Thomas died.

Later, at the peak of his fame, he recalled that event and acknowledged that he had been influenced by Dylan Thomas’ poetry, but:

“I didn't change my name in honor of Dylan Thomas. That's just a story. I've done more for Dylan Thomas than he's ever done for me. Look how many kids are probably reading his poetry now because they heard that story”

Regarding his change of name, Bob Dylan also said:

"You're born, you know, the wrong names, wrong parents. I mean, that happens. You call yourself what you want to call yourself. This is the land of the free."

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Too long – Antoine de Rivarol

French writer Antoine de Rivarol (1753-1801) was once asked by a mediocre poet what he thought of a couplet that the poet just wrote.

"Great song, “said Antoine de Rivarol, "but I think that it’s too long.”

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Paradise Lost – John Milton

 When he was sixty years old, famous English poet John Milton (1608-1674) completely lost his sight, and fell into extreme poverty.

To get some money, in 1669 he sold the publishing rights of his epic poem "Paradise Lost" to London printer and bookseller Samuel Simmons, for just ten pounds. Five pounds immediately, and five pounds after the sale of three editions of "Paradise Lost" (four and a half thousand copies).

After her husband's death, Milton's third wife, Elizabeth, sold all publishing rights of "Paradise Lost" to the same printer – for just eight pounds.

And this skillful bookseller eventually became rich. He invested money in just one work - and that was only eighteen pounds.

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Diet for Attracting Attention - George Gordon Byron

On one occasion, the famous English poet George Gordon Byron (1788-1824) was invited to dinner by acquaintances who he never visited before. A large and distinguished group of writers was gathered at this dinner. When asked by the host if he would like to start dinner with a good soup, Byron said loudly for all to hear:

- I never eat soup!
- Do you like fish?
- No, I never eat fish!
- Perhaps you will enjoy roast pork?
- No, I never eat roast pork!
- A glass of wine, at least?
- Never in my life have I tasted wine! - The poet thundered.

Not knowing what to do, the host asked the poet what he usually eats for dinner.
- Only biscuit and water! - Replied the poet.

Unfortunately, they didn’t have a biscuit, so he drank water in which he poured a little vinegar. He then angrily left.

Concerned hosts met Byron's close friend a few days later and asked him: 
- Why didn’t you warned me of Lord Byron’s eating habits? And since when he is on a such strict diet?

- Since you have started to notice! His behavior was aimed primarily to attract the attention of those present. You should know this:  after dinner, he went straight to a nearby tavern where he ate roast pork and got drank from wine.

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