William Butler Yeats, commonly known as W.B. Yeats, was a prominent Irish poet, playwright, and politician, recognized as one of the foremost figures in 20th-century literature. Born on June 13, 1865, in Sandymount, Dublin, Ireland, Yeats emerged from a family immersed in the arts, which significantly influenced his literary inclinations. He passed away on January 28, 1939, in Menton, France, leaving behind a legacy that would resonate through the ages.

Yeats's early life was marked by a strong artistic and intellectual environment. His father, John Butler Yeats, was a painter, and his mother, Susan, encouraged his literary pursuits. The family moved to Sligo when he was a child, where the landscape and folklore of Ireland deeply inspired his writing. Yeats studied at the Royal Hibernian Academy and later at the National College of Art and Design, where he developed a keen interest in literature, mythology, and the occult.

Yeats's literary career began in the late 19th century, and he became a central figure in the Irish Literary Revival. His early works, influenced by Romanticism and Symbolism, include "The Wanderings of Oisin" and "The Countess Cathleen." As his career evolved, he explored themes of love, politics, and spirituality in works such as "The Tower" and "The Wind Among the Reeds." Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923, recognizing his profound impact on poetry and drama.

In his personal life, Yeats had complex relationships, most notably with Maud Gonne, an actress and political activist who inspired much of his poetry. His passion for her fueled his creative output, even though their relationship remained largely unfulfilled. Yeats later married Georgie Hyde-Lees, with whom he shared a deep intellectual bond and who played a crucial role in his later works. Throughout his life, Yeats remained deeply engaged with Irish nationalism and was a member of the Irish Senate from 1922 to 1928, further intertwining his literary and political endeavors.

W.B. Yeats's contributions to literature and his exploration of the human experience have solidified his status as a literary giant. His works continue to be celebrated for their rich imagery, emotional depth, and philosophical insights, ensuring his place in the pantheon of great writers.