Stephen Spender was an English poet, novelist, and essayist born on January 28, 1909, in London. He is known for his exploration of themes such as social injustice, class differences, and the experiences of marginalized individuals. His works often reflect his own experiences growing up in a privileged background while being sensitive to the struggles of others. Spender was also a prominent literary figure in the 20th century, associated with the Poetry Society and the New Apocalyptics movement. He published several notable collections, including "The Still Centre" and "The Edge of Being." In addition to poetry, he wrote essays and criticism, contributing significantly to literary discussions of his time.