Delve into the intriguing world of a poet whose iconic phrase 'Not Waving But Drowning' still resonates today. Discover the tumultuous childhood that shaped her unique voice, blending humor and profound themes of love, death, and existentialism. Explore her innovative poetic style and the interplay of her drawings with her verses. Hear about her influence on modern poets like Sylvia Plath and how her overlooked masterpieces continue to challenge traditional norms, revealing a complex relationship with her art and the themes of time and mortality.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Unsettled Childhood
Stevie Smith, born Florence Margaret in 1902, was known as Peggy at home.
Her father left when she was three, prompting a move to London with her mother and aunt.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Childhood Illness
At five, Smith was diagnosed with TB, likely from unpasteurized milk.
She spent three lonely years in a Kent sanatorium, a prescribed treatment at the time.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Origin of Stevie
The nickname "Stevie" originated from boys shouting "Come on, Steve!" while she rode a horse.
The name stuck amongst friends, coexisting with "Peggy" used by family.
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Stevie Smith's poem 'Not Waving but Drowning' is a powerful exploration of loneliness and the tragic misinterpretation of a man's distress signals as joyful gestures. The poem delves into themes of isolation and the human tendency to hide inner turmoil behind outward appearances. It is part of Smith's 1957 collection of the same name and is noted for its simple yet profound language.
Over the Frontier
Stevie Smith
Over the Frontier, published in 1938, is Stevie Smith's second novel and a literary experiment that critiques popular genre fiction. It follows Pompey Casmilus as she navigates a world on the brink of war, grappling with militarism and the allure of violence. The novel shifts from a stream-of-consciousness narrative to a more dreamlike adventure, reflecting on the complexities of fighting fascism without succumbing to its dehumanizing effects.
Scorpion and other poems
Scorpion and other poems
Stevie Smith
Novel on yellow paper
Smith, Stevie, 1902-1971.
Novel on Yellow Paper, published in 1936, is Stevie Smith's first novel, featuring Pompey Casmilus, a secretary who writes about her life, opinions, and experiences on yellow office paper. The novel delves into themes of love, anti-Semitism, and personal identity, reflecting Smith's unique blend of humor and seriousness. It was acclaimed for its innovative style and became an instant success upon its release.
A good time was had by all
A good time was had by all
Florence Margaret Smith
The Last Holiday
Gil Scott-Heron
Gil Scott-Heron's "The Last Holiday" is a memoir offering a glimpse into the life and experiences of this influential artist. The book delves into his personal struggles and triumphs, providing insights into his creative process and his perspectives on social and political issues. His reflections on his career and his observations on the world are interwoven with personal anecdotes, creating a compelling narrative. The memoir showcases his unique voice and his ability to connect with audiences through his powerful storytelling. It's a testament to his enduring legacy as a poet, musician, and activist.
In 1957 Stevie Smith published a poetry collection called Not Waving But Drowning – and its title poem gave us a phrase which has entered the language.
Its success has overshadowed her wider work as the author of more than half a dozen collections of poetry and three novels, mostly written while she worked as a secretary. Her poems, printed with her pen and ink sketches, can seem simple and comical, but often beneath the surface lurk themes of melancholy, loneliness, love and death.
With
Jeremy Noel-Tod
Associate Professor in the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia
Noreen Masud
Lecturer in Twentieth Century Literature at the University of Bristol
and
Will May
Professor of Modern and Contemporary Literature at the University of Southampton
The photograph above shows Stevie Smith recording her story Sunday at Home, a finalist in the BBC Third Programme Short Story competition in 1949.
In Our Time 
