UK and US Laureates Perform Edge Hill Poetry Reading

Two of the most distinguished poets in US and UK literature will take part in a unique poetry reading at Edge Hill University.

UK and US poets laureate, Carol Ann Duffy and Billy Collins will perform their work together for the first time to mark the University's milestone 125^th birthday.

The Written Word takes place on 28^th October 2010 and promises to be a highlight of the University's anniversary celebrations.

Glasgow-born Carol Ann Duffy is the first female poet laureate, being awarded the role in May 2009. Since her appointment, her published work includes a 14-line sonnet on the MP expenses scandal and Achilles, a poem about the injury that left England footballer David Beckham out of this year's World Cup.

Her poems address issues such as oppression, gender and violence in an accessible language that has made them popular in schools.

She says, "In each poem, I'm trying to reveal a truth, so it can't have a fictional beginning." Duffy, who is also a playwright, was awarded an OBE in 1995 and a CBE in 2002 and has a string of poetry prizes under her belt.

Billy Collins has served two terms as the poet laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003. As the USA laureate, Collins read his poem The Names at a special joint session of the United States Congress on 6^th September 2002, held to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks. He has been called "The most popular poet in America" by the New York Times.

The typical Collins poem opens on a clear and hospitable note but soon takes an unexpected turn; poems that begin in irony may end up in a moment of lyric surprise. He describes his poetry as a "form of travelling" and considers humour "a door into the serious".

Collins' recognition includes several awards from US magazine Poetry, fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Guggenheim Foundation.

Bookings are now being taken for the free event on Thursday 28th October, starting 6pm. Spaces are limited so to book your place by emailing corporateevents@edgehill.ac.uk.