Edwin Morgan
Edwin Morgan
#### A Scottish Poet Laureate and Champion of Socialist Politics
Edwin Morgan was a renowned Scottish poet, playwright, and translator who served as the Poet Laureate of Scotland from 2000 until his death in 2015. His work is characterized by its accessibility, depth, and commitment to exploring the human condition through poetry.
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Edwin George Morgan
Common Alias: The People's Bard
Birth and Death Dates
Born: April 27, 1920, in Glasgow, Scotland
Died: August 17, 2015, in Glasgow, Scotland
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Scottish
Profession(s): Poet, Playwright, Translator
Early Life and Background
Edwin Morgan was born into a working-class family in the Govan district of Glasgow. His father was a tram conductor, and his mother worked as a shop assistant. Morgan's early life was marked by hardship and poverty, which would later influence his writing style and themes. He attended Allan Glen's School in Glasgow before studying English at the University of Glasgow.
Major Accomplishments
Morgan's poetry career spanned over five decades, during which he published numerous collections that explored themes such as love, politics, and social justice. Some of his notable works include:
The New Divan (1995) - a collection of 100 poems written in response to Rumi's Masnavi
Collected Poems (2002) - a comprehensive anthology of his work
A Little Book of Languages (2014) - a collection that showcases his expertise as a translator
Morgan was also known for his advocacy of socialist politics and his commitment to making poetry accessible to the masses. He served on various committees and organizations, including the Scottish Arts Council and the Glasgow University Students' Representative Council.
Notable Works or Actions
Morgan's work extends beyond his written collections. Some notable examples include:
The People's Poetry (1993) - a collection of essays that explores the role of poetry in society
Poems from the North (1972) - a collection of poems that celebrate Scottish culture and identity
His translations of Russian and Polish literature, which helped introduce these works to English-speaking audiences
Impact and Legacy
Edwin Morgan's impact on Scottish literature is immeasurable. He played a significant role in shaping the country's poetic landscape and paving the way for future generations of writers. His commitment to social justice and his ability to connect with readers from diverse backgrounds have made him one of Scotland's most beloved poets.
Morgan's legacy extends beyond his own work. He inspired countless young writers, including some notable Scottish poets such as Kathleen Jamie and Don Paterson. His advocacy for poetry and literature has left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Scotland.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Edwin Morgan is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Accessibility: Morgan's poetry is characterized by its clarity, accessibility, and emotional depth. His work continues to resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to Social Justice: Morgan's commitment to social justice and his advocacy of socialist politics have made him a champion of the underprivileged.
* Influence on Scottish Literature: Morgan's impact on Scottish literature is undeniable. He has inspired generations of writers and helped shape the country's poetic landscape.
Edwin Morgan's remarkable life, work, and legacy serve as a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, educate, and connect people from all walks of life. His dedication to making poetry accessible to everyone continues to resonate with readers today.
Quotes by Edwin Morgan
Let’s leave the window, and write. No need to wait for a fine blue to break through. We must live, make do.
Valentine Weather Kiss me with rain on your eyelashes, come on, let us sway together, under the trees, and to hell with thunder.
When you go, if you go, And I should want to die, there's nothing I'd be saved by more than the time you fell asleep in my arms in a trust so gentle I let the darkening room drink up the evening, till rest, or the new rain lightly roused you awake. I asked if you heard the rain in your dream and half dreaming still you only said, I love you.
Kiss me with rain on your eyelashes, come on, let us sway together, under the trees, and to hell with thunder.
I just discovered when I was, oh, 12 or 13, that I was very interested in language - and this showed itself as poetry. There was no looking back.
Translated poetry filled the no-man's-land between my own work and other writers', and I found this fascinating to explore.
Poetry is partly sympathy, don't you think? If it's any good, it gets people to think about others' points of view.
I have friends who are very pessimistic. They say you can't possibly be an optimist nowadays. But I think, taking the longer view, you can still be as optimistic as you want.
People always say that Glasgow has had umpteen social problems but keeps finding ways of getting over its difficulties and transforming itself. Maybe, belonging to the city I'm able to renew myself too, and keep extending out into some new area.
