Ted Hughes was an English poet, playwright, and children's author, born on August 17, 1930, in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire. He is best known for his powerful and often dark poetry that explores themes of nature, mythology, and human emotion. Hughes served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1984 until his death in 1998. Hughes was married to the American poet Sylvia Plath, and their tumultuous relationship has been the subject of much literary analysis. His notable works include the poetry collections The Hawk in the Rain and Birthday Letters, which reflect his deep connection to the natural world and personal experiences. Hughes's writing has left a lasting impact on contemporary poetry.