Stephen Spender (1909-1995) was an English poet, essayist, and critic. He was born in London and educated at University College, Oxford. Spender was a member of the literary group known as the "Auden generation," which included W.H. Auden, Christopher Isherwood, and Cecil Day-Lewis. He was also a close friend of T.S. Eliot and Dylan Thomas. Spender's poetry often dealt with themes of love, politics, and social justice. His most famous works include "The Still Centre," "The Edge of Being," and "The Generous Days." He was also a prolific essayist and wrote on a wide range of topics, including literature, politics, and culture. In addition to his writing, Spender was a prominent figure in the cultural and political life of his time. He was a member of the Communist Party in the 1930s, but later became disillusioned with the party's policies. He was also a vocal advocate for gay rights and was one of the first public figures to come out as gay. Spender received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 1971. He died in 1995 at the age of 86.