
Philip Larkin
Philip Larkin was a renowned English poet, novelist, and librarian, known for his candid and often pessimistic reflections on contemporary life. Born in 1922, he spent much of his career as a librarian at the University of Hull, where he became a key figure in 20th-century British poetry. Larkin's work is characterized by its accessibility and its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the passage of time. His most famous collections include 'The Whitsun Weddings' and 'High Windows,' which showcase his distinctive voice and insightful observations. Larkin's legacy endures as one of the most important poets in post-war England, influencing countless writers with his honest and relatable approach to poetry.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Philip Larkin's collected poems included unfinished works after his death.
Iris Murdoch went to pains to hide poems on her bisexuality. Was it wrong to publish them? – The Irish TimesPhilip Larkin’s The Whitsun Weddings is a collection of key poems that often hooks readers.
‘This extraordinary story never goes out of fashion’: 30 authors on the books they give to everyone | BooksThe author references Philip Larkin in a humorous context.
‘Whenever I leave the North I do feel a pull – a hankering for that coded familiarity’ – The Irish TimesPhilip Larkin's first Collected Poems included unfinished poems and did not respect the integrity of each volume he published.
‘A process of finding echoes and associations’ – The Irish TimesPhilip Larkin is quoted regarding his views on writing and self-assessment.
‘You cannot censor me. They would try it now with all this wokeist nonsense’ – The Irish TimesMichael Rosen is inspired by the poet Philip Larkin's view on living day by day.
Michael Rosen’s guide to having a happier day: listen to music, get a good night’s sleep ... and add raisins to ice-cream | Health & wellbeingPhilip Larkin joked in a poem about the sexual revolution and its timing in relation to the Beatles.
How an Irish-American agricultural fortune helped pay for the pill – The Irish TimesPhilip Larkin is mentioned as a famously pessimistic English poet whose quotes are used by Haugerud in his films.
From laid-off librarian to Golden Bear-winning director of the Oslo Stories trilogy – The Irish Times





























































