Editing Francis Thompson (section)

==Writing career==
In 1888, after three years on the streets, he was 'discovered' after sending his poetry to the magazine ''Merrie England''. He was sought out by the magazine's editors, [[Wilfrid Meynell|Wilfrid]] and [[Alice Meynell]], who recognised the value of his work. They took him into their home and, concerned about his opium addiction which was at its height following his years on the streets, sent him to [[Our Lady of England Priory]], [[Storrington]], for a couple of years. He continued to take opium but in small doses at irregular intervals, to relieve nerve pain.<ref name=":0" />

Francis wrote most of his poetry during this period from 1888 – 1897, after which he turned to writing prose. He struck up a good relationship with the Meynells who, parents and children, furnished inspiration for some of his poetry. They arranged for publication of his first book ''Poems'' in 1893. The book attracted the attention of sympathetic critics in the ''St James's Gazette'' and other newspapers, and [[Coventry Patmore]] wrote a eulogistic notice in the ''Fortnightly Review'' of January 1894. Francis' poem ''The Hound of Heaven'' was called by the Bishop of London "one of the most tremendous poems ever written," and by critics "the most wonderful lyric in the language," while the ''Times'' of London declared that people will still be learning it 200 years hence. His verse continued to elicit high praise from critics right up to his last volume in 1897. His selected poems published in 1908 contains about 50 pieces in all.<ref name=":0" /> Notable among his prose works are an essay on Shelley, "The Life of St. Ignatius", and "Health and Holiness".<ref name=Chilton>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14703b.htm Chilton, Carroll B. "Francis Thompson." The Catholic Encyclopedia] Vol. 14. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 29 November 2022 {{PD-notice}}</ref>