Dylan Thomas Dylan Thomas, born in Swansea in 1914, is perhaps Wales' best-known writer, widely considered to be one of the major poets of the 20th century: many of his greatest poems, such as "Fern Hill" and "'Do not go gentle into that good niht"' are beloved and widely studied. As well as poetry, Dylan Thomas wrote numerous short stories and scripts for film and radio-none more popular than his radio play Under Milk Wood. He led a fascinating and tempestuous life, which ended all too soon in 1953 when he collapsed and died in New York City shortly after his 39th birthday. Read More Read Less