William Butler Yeats was a leader of the Irish Literary Renaissance who drew inspiration from Irish legend and occult learning for his symbolism-laden poetry. His later writing became more engaged with his own time and reflected a pessimistic view of politics, as he believed civilization went through 2000-year stages and that his era was at the end of one such stage.

1. William Butler Yeats

2. William Butler Yeatsleader of the Irish Literary Renaissancedrew inspiration from Irish legend and occult learningPoetry is laden with symbolism

3. William Butler Yeatslater writing became increasingly engaged with his own timehis verse reflected a pessimism about politicsBelieved civilization went through 2000 year stages. We are at the end of one.