Aug 06, 2001 simon armitage was born in west yorkshire and is professor of poetry at the university of sheffield. Simon armitage was born in marsden, west yorkshire. Now, in simon armitage, the poem has found its perfect modern translator. Simon armitage audio books, best sellers, author bio. Join facebook to connect with simon armitage and others you may know. Simon armitage was born in 1963 and educated at colne valley high school. Simon armitagestatecollapsed to show the template collapsed, i. The famous middle english poem by an anonymous northern england poet is beautifully translated by fellow poet simon armitage in this edition. The daily malicious, sorry, the daily mail alice gribbin is a teachingwriting fellow at the iowa writers workshop. Book of matches by simon armitage, simon armitage and sue. Oct 11, 1993 armitage s poetry collections include book of matches 1993 and the dead sea poems 1995. Simon armitage, in full simon robert armitage, born may 26, 1963, huddersfield, yorkshire now in kirklees, england, british poet, playwright, and novelist whose poetry is attuned to modern life and vernacular language and has been regarded as both accessible and revelatory. Residing in west yorkshire, he is the current professor of poetry at oxford university 20152019 and is professor of poetry at the university of sheffield.
Among his collections of poetry are kid, book of matches, the universal home doctor, tyrannosaurus rex versus the corduroy kid and seeing stars. Simon armitage was born in england, united kingdom on sunday, may 26, 1963 baby boomers generation. Simon armitage was born in marsden, west yorkshire in 1963. Simon armitage s output since being made poet laureate is to be lauded, while his musical counterpart prefers to keep a low profile published. The unaccompanied is the new poetry collection from simon armitage. Essay on simon armitages book of matches 1966 words bartleby. He has found his voice early, and it really is his own voice his language and rhythms draw from the pennine village where he lives. A recipient of numerous prizes and awards, he has published eleven collections of poetry, including seeing stars 2010, paper aeroplane. Isbn 9780571169825 9780571169825 softcover, faber and faber, 1993. A matchcover, or matchbook cover, is a thin cardboard covering that folds over match sticks in a book or pack of matches. His previous titles include kid, book of matches, the dead sea poems, cloudcuckooland, killing time, the universal home doctor, homers odyssey, tyrannosaurus rex versus the corduroy kid, and seeing stars. Get the best deal by comparing prices from over 100,000 booksellers.
Simon armitage admin february 16, 2019 biography leave a comment 34 views english poet, novelist, and dramatist who became known for the deceased ocean poems and. Selected poems 19892014 2014 and his acclaimed translation of sir gawain and the green knight 2007. The first part, the book of matches, is a series of sonnets. The sonnets in book of matches are meant to be read in the same. Simon armitage was born in 1963 in the village of marsden and lives in west yorkshire. Simon armitage is one of the most compelling figures in contemporary literature, most conspicuously because of his charismatic style, but also because he has brought into poetry an irreverent, streetwise gusto and a kind of knowledge that often seems to come from outside poetry altogether. Kid was armitages second book of poems, his first with faber and faber. A recipient of numerous prizes and awards, he has published eleven collections of poetry, including seeing stars, paper aeroplane. Simon armitage is professor of poetry at the university of sheffield, u. He studied geography and psychology at both portsmouth polytechnic and manchester university. Simon armitages to his lost lover sometime in the early nineties bbc 2 did a very wonderful thing. He studied geography at portsmouth polytechnic now university, graduating in 1984.
Covers have been used as a form of advertising since 1894, two years after they were patented, and since then, have attracted people who enjoy the hobby of collecting. Ive never read anything that captures the simple, selfless truth of love as perfectly as this. Simon armitage is a language whiz who will knock you over with humor and the unexpected. As a postgraduate student at manchester university, his ma thesis concerned the effects of television violence on young offenders. The poems of armitages most recent collection, the unaccompanied, exhibit a poet at the top of his art. Simon armitages output since being made poet laureate is to be lauded, while his musical counterpart prefers to keep a low profile published. It is with great pleasure we announce the appointment of simon armitage as the new poet laureate. Inscribed to hayro and signed by simon armitage on the title page. Subsequent poetry books, all published by faber, include kid 1992, book of matches 1993, the dead sea poems 1995, moon country 1996, cloud cuckoo land 1997. He has written two novels, little green man 2001 and the white stuff 2004, as well. He is also professor of poetry at the university of leeds and succeeded geoffrey hill as oxford professor of poetry when he was elected to the fouryear parttime appointment from 20152019. Losing none of the exuberance and verbal agility which have become a hallmark of simon armitages poetry, these poems are more obviously personal the ensuing risks, of vulnerability and exposure, more dangerous.
Much of armitages earlier work concerns body and brake fluids. In 2015, he was elected oxford professor of poetry and in. Simon armitage, one of britains bestloved poets, appears at a photocall prior to an event at edinburgh international book festival, on august 24, 2014 in edinburgh, scotland. This is simon armitages third collection of poems, following in the triumphal wake of zoom and kid, and quietly surpassing them. Anyone here had a go at themselvesfor a laugh anyone opened their wristswith a blade in the bath those in the dark. Book of matches by simon armitage overdrive rakuten. Simon armitage, whose the shout was a finalist for the national book critics circle award, has published ten volumes of poetry and has received numerous honors for his work. His works were widely anthologized and have been broadly popular. See all books authored by simon armitage, including homers odyssey, and short and sweet.
It concludes reading the banns, the third section of the book, which is an account of his own wedding. Simon armitage was born in west yorkshire and is professor of poetry at the university of sheffield. Blue flower arts simon armitage a literary speakers agency. In light of his recent nomination for the post of professor of poetry at oxford university, i spoke to him about what he would hope to bring to the role, writing collaboratively, and creating poetic voices. The poems mark a comingofage of a poet who is by now established as a leading voice. Simon christopher armitage cbe born 26 may 1963 is an english poet, playwright and novelist. He received an undergraduate degree from portsmouth university in geography, followed by a masters degree in social work from manchester university where he researched the impact of television violence on young offenders. And also a new book edited by john fuller on the same subject. The poems in the middle section, becoming of age relate incidents, from other times, other lives and experiences, to a common life.
Nov 25, 2010 simon armitage was born in west yorkshire in 1963. Simon robert armitage cbe is an english poet, playwright and novelist. Among his collections of poetry are kid, book of matches, the universal ho. He is currently a professor of poetry at the university of sheffield. This story, first told in the 1400s, is one of the most enthralling, dramatic and beloved poems in the english tradition. He has written two novels, little green man 2001 and the white. Signed by the author on the title page, a very nice copy of his fourth book of verse, containing three distinct sections, book of matches, with 30 sonnets, becoming of age with 14 titled poems, and reading the banns, with 12 untitled poems on the subject of marriage.
Buy book of matches by simon armitage with free delivery. Share simon armitage quotations about books and war. The hilary term professor of poetry lecture, delivered by professor of poetry simon armitage. Simon armitage was born on may 26, 1963, in the village of marsden, in west yorkshire, england. Simon armitage webchat your questions answered on poetry. In 1992 he was winner of one of the first forward prizes, and a year later was the sunday times young writer of the year. A recipient of numerous prizes and awards, his collections of poetry include seeing stars 2010, the unaccompanied 2017, sandettie light vessel automatic 2019 and his acclaimed translation of sir gawain and the green knight 2007. His prose works include the white stuff and little green man. You couldnt mistake simon armitage for any other poet. The book is divided into three sections the book of matches which are sonnets, becoming of age and reading the bans, a series of poems about armitage s marriage. Armitage first studied at colne valley high school, linthwaite, huddersfield and went on to study geography at portsmouth polytechnic. Simon armitage s first collection, zoom, appeared in 1989, published by bloodaxe.
Simon armitagestateexpanded to show the template expanded, i. British poet, novelist, and dramatist who became known for the dead sea poems and book of matches. Simon armitage aqa anthology for gcse universal teacher. Simon armitage was born in west yorkshire and is professor of poetry at the university of leeds.
On 19 june 2015, armitage was elected oxford professor of poetry, succeeding geoffrey hill. Simon armitage s first recording for the poetry archive was made on 12th july 2005 at the audio workshop, london, while his second was made at the soundhouse, london on 28th july 2016. A firework display of technique, versatility and passion. Simon armitages book of matches 1972 words 123 help me. Essay on simon armitages book of matches 1966 words. Language is my enemy i spend my life battling with it the poet on creative chaos, the cathartic effect of table tennis and writing on. Simon armitage was born on may 26, 1963 in huddersfield, west yorkshire, england as simon robert armitage. Cv simon armitage simon armitage was a prohibition officer for 6 years. The book people limited, salisbury house, weyside park, catteshall lane, godalming, surrey, gu7 1xe.
Navigation home page contents forum maximize search comment mail me author. The book comes after the poet has been lending his skills to other medium. Browse simon armitages bestselling audiobooks and newest titles. Simon robert armitage, cbe, frsl born 26 may 1963 is an english poet, playwright and novelist who has been poet laureate since 10 may 2019. Armitages retelling of sir gawain and the green knight captures all of the magic and wonderful storytelling of the original while also revitalising it. Sir gawain and the green knight narrates in crystalline verse the strange tale of a green knight who rudely interrupts the round table festivities one yuletide, casting a pall of unease over the company and challenging one.
Simon armitage webchat post your questions now books the. Simon armitage, 21 august 1997 ever since the very brutal extraction of all four of my wisdom teeth, ive found myself talking with another mans mouth, so to speak, and my tongue has become a mollusc such as an oyster or clam, broken and entered, licking its wounds in its shell. Book of matches simon armitage the official website. Simon robert armitage cbe born 26 may 1963 is an english poet, playwright and novelist. Simon armitage biography 2017 facts, childhood, wiki. He is a graduate of portsmouth university, where he studied geography. Like other matches in the book, this is a short poem in a conversational style, but with frequent. Poet and novelist simon armitage is undoubtedly the most popular. He has written two novels, little green man 2001 and the white stuff 2004, as well as all points north 1998, a collection of essays on the north of england.
Simon armitage visited newports university in march 2012 and read a selection of his work. Selected poems 1989 2014, and his acclaimed translation of sir gawain and the green knight. He worked with young offenders before gaining a postgraduate qualification in social work at manchester university in 1988. Born in 1963 in the village of marsden, england, simon armitage is an awardwinning poet, author, songwriter, playwright, and translator. Each poem is designed to relay the urgency of a struck match. In the poem cv he describes a life of a man who struggles throughout his life. The free tracks you can enjoy in the poetry archive are a.
Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. He studied geography at portsmouth and psychology at manchester university, qualifying as a. Gooseberry season true north brassneck shrove tuesday wintering out. He was a postgraduate student at manchester university where his ma thesis concerned the effects of television violence on young offenders. He worked as a probation officer for six years before focusing on poetry. Simon armitage british poet, playwright, and novelist.
Photo by jeremy suttonhibbertgetty images simon armitage was born in west yorkshire, england in 1963. On 19 june 2015, armitage was elected to the parttime position of oxford professor of poetry, succeeding geoffrey hill. Still by simon armitage, 97819112536, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. I say i say i say poem by simon armitage poem hunter. Reading him is like being led into an ark of vowels, consonants, slang, wild rhythms he shepherds into great stories and characters. This has included making documentaries for the bbc, translating medieval and middle english poetry to. Simon armitages first collection, zoom, appeared in 1989, published by bloodaxe. Simon armitage has worked extensively in film, radio and television. Losing none of the exuberance which has become a hallmark of simon armitage s poetry, these poems are more personal.
At first glance, the subjects seem a diverse collection a beach wedding, a todo list, gravity, kicking a mushroom, tractors, a bed, a chair, a nurse at a bus stop, the holy land. He earned a ba from portsmouth university in geography, and an. Simon armitage bio, facts, family famous birthdays. Simon armitage books list of books by author simon armitage. He is a writer and actor, known for drinking for england 1998, last words 2017 and songbirds 2007. Simon armitage was born in west yorkshire, england in 1963. He has written two novels, little green man 2001 and the white stuff 2004, as well as all points north 1998, simon armitage, whose the shout was a finalist for the national book critics circle award, has published ten volumes of poetry and has. Each poem is designed to relay the urgency of a struck match, packed with discoveries, flashes of insights on family and life. Discover more authors youll love listening to on audible. He wrote and presented xanadu 1992, a poem film for television, broadcast by bbc television as part of the words on film series, and his film about the american poet. This poem could be reflecting on people or incidents armitage faced white he was prohibition officer as it is common to work with lower class, struggling people with limited opportunity, drug dealers and etc. Simon armitage has 100 books on goodreads with 20722 ratings. Since 1894, when pabst beer ordered the first promotional matchbooks on record ever made, businesses and individuals have been placing their logos, slogans, and artwork on matchbook covers to promote their products and services. Poetry with simon armitage university of oxford podcasts.
Life and career armitage was born in huddersfield, west riding of yorkshire and grew up in the village. Language is my enemy i spend my life battling with it the poet on creative chaos, the cathartic effect of table tennis and writing on the undersole of a slipper simon. He subsequently served as a probation officer in oldham until 1993. Simon armitage simon armitage used books, rare books and new books. He earned a ba from portsmouth university in geography, and an ms in social work from manchester university, where he studied the impact of televised violence on young offenders.
Simon armitage delivers his final lecture as oxford professor of poetry, reflecting on his own influences as a poet. Simon armitage gives advice on creative writing youtube. Aug 01, 2015 this beautiful poem is on the final page of simon armitages book of matches, a series of brilliant meditations on love. Browse simon armitage tour dates and order tickets for upcoming shows near you. Don paterson, a poet from scotland, produced an anthology called 101 sonnets. Follow simon armitage and explore their bibliography from s simon armitage author page. Armitages poetry collections include book of matches 1993 and the dead sea poems 1995. An interview with simon armitage simon armitage is a multiaward winning poet, playwright, and novelist.
He produced a dramatised version of homers odyssey and a collection of poetry entitled. The origins of the poet laureateship date back to the seventeenth century, when it was established as a royal office. Indepth interview with simon armitage high profiles. The exhilarating, improvisatory titlesequence of book of matches 1993 consisted of 30 short poems semisonnets, minidream songs, virtuoso vignettes in. There is a very illuminating essay at the beginning.