Carol Ann Duffy becomes first woman poet laureate
At last: 341 years after Charles II named John Dryden the first poet laureate, a woman has been appointed to the most prominent literary position in Britain.
Today, at the University of Manchester’s John Rylands library, Carol Ann Duffy was anointed poet laureate by Andy Burnham, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport.
“It is a great day for women writers,” said Duffy, who described the laureateship as “tending the flame” of poetry. “It highlights the way that women writers have changed the landscape of literature in this country … though I think guys will be pleased as well.”
Ten years ago, she was reportedly ruled out of the laureateship because Tony Blair was concerned about how a gay poet laureate might play in middle England. Tonight a spokesman for Tony Blair denied this had been the case. » continue...
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
Today, at the University of Manchester’s John Rylands library, Carol Ann Duffy was anointed poet laureate by Andy Burnham, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport.
“It is a great day for women writers,” said Duffy, who described the laureateship as “tending the flame” of poetry. “It highlights the way that women writers have changed the landscape of literature in this country … though I think guys will be pleased as well.”
Ten years ago, she was reportedly ruled out of the laureateship because Tony Blair was concerned about how a gay poet laureate might play in middle England. Tonight a spokesman for Tony Blair denied this had been the case. » continue...
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
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