John Edward Masefield, 1 June 1878 to 12 May 1967, was an English poet and writer and was Poet Laureate from 1930 until his death in 1967.
As well as "The Box of Delights" Masefield wrote 20 other novels, including a prequel, "The Midnight Folk".
Masefield was born in Ledbury in Herefordshire to George Masefield, a solicitor and Caroline. His mother died giving birth to his sister when Masefield was only 6 and he went to live with his aunt. His father died shortly after.
During his life Masefield was given several honorary degrees and doctorates from Yale and Harvard in the USA, and several universities in the UK.
He died from gangrene in 1967, and his ashes were placed in Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey.
