Edwin Morgan

Date of Birth: April 27, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 19, 2010

Biography

Edwin George Morgan was a Scottish poet and translator associated with the Scottish Renaissance. Born on April 27, 1920, in Glasgow, Scotland, Morgan was educated at Rutherglen Academy and later at the University of Glasgow. His studies were interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps. After the war, he completed his degree and began teaching English at the University of Glasgow, where he would remain for many years. Morgan’s poetry is known for its diversity and innovation. He experimented with a variety of forms and themes, ranging from the sonnet to concrete poetry, from love and friendship to science fiction and the natural world. He translated works from several languages, including Russian, Hungarian, and French. His collections include “The Second Life” (1968), “From Glasgow to Saturn” (1973), and “New Selected Poems” (2000). In addition to his poetry, Morgan was a prolific translator and a keen advocate for the arts. He was appointed Glasgow’s first Poet Laureate in 1999 and the Scottish national poet (the Scots Makar) in 2004. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 2000. Edwin Morgan passed away on August 19, 2010, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.

5 Interesting Facts about Edwin Morgan

1. Edwin Morgan’s poetry collection “The Second Life” (1968) marked his significant breakthrough as a poet.

2. Morgan was openly gay and wrote several poems that explored themes of homosexuality, which was groundbreaking at the time.

3. He had a lifelong interest in science fiction, which influenced much of his work, including poems about space travel and futuristic scenarios.

4. Morgan was an accomplished translator, bringing works by poets such as Mayakovsky and Pasternak to the English-speaking world.

5. He was actively involved in the cultural life of Glasgow and was a passionate supporter of the Scottish independence movement.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edwin Morgan

1. “Nothing is not giving messages, / not a single thing that has / a mind has not a word to say.”

2. “What I love about poetry is its compactness, its ability to say much in a few words.”

3. “You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough.”

4. “Poetry is a way of taking life by the throat.”

5. “The world moves, and ideas that were once unthinkable become thinkable.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific financial details about Edwin Morgan’s net worth are not publicly available, his contributions to literature and his numerous awards and accolades suggest a significant cultural and intellectual legacy rather than a monetary one.