Crossing the Bar Resources

Tennyson was King Victoria with his perfect meter, proper manners, and penchant for rhyme.

For a brief rundown of Tennyson's life and times, check out this short bio and collection of poems.

The Norton Anthology of English Literature's overview of the period during which Tennyson lived and wrote is a handy way to get a handle on the era that made the man.

Tennyson's poem has become a Christian hymn in some circles.

Okay, so obviously that's not true. But someone creepily animated his face in this video, so it looks like he's reading the poem.

One of the earliest audio recordings ever made was of Tennyson reading his famous poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade." You might have to strain to make out the words, but it's pretty cool nonetheless.

This Brit reads the poem with the sounds of the sea in the background.

This recording has the words so you can read along. Just in case you're zoning out.

He looks about ready to cross the bar, if you know what Shmoop means.

Here's a famous drawing of the young Alfred, Lord Tennyson, in his less surly years.

So it turns out that when some people cross the bar, they wind up with some primo real estate in Westminster Abbey.

And it's not the open ocean. It's on the Isle of Wight.

Instagrammed for your viewing pleasure.

Hungry for more? Have at this book.

If Tennyson's suddenly your new favorite poet, you can read every poem he ever wrote, right here.