Date of Birth: August 29, 1929
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: April 25, 2004
Biography
Thom Gunn was an Anglo-American poet renowned for his versatility and exploration of various themes such as love, drugs, and the human body. Born as Thomson William Gunn on August 29, 1929, in Gravesend, Kent, England, he moved to the United States in the 1950s and became a significant figure in both British and American literary circles. Gunn was educated at University College School in Hampstead, London, and later at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied English literature. It was at Cambridge that he published his first collection, “Fighting Terms” (1954), which garnered critical acclaim. His early work often reflected his interest in existentialism and the works of Jean-Paul Sartre. After relocating to the United States, Gunn settled in San Francisco, where he became associated with the Beat poetry movement. Over the years, his poetry evolved to encompass various styles and subjects, including free verse and traditional forms. His notable collections include “The Man with Night Sweats” (1992), which poignantly addresses the AIDS epidemic, and “Collected Poems” (1994). Gunn received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Levinson Prize and multiple Guggenheim Fellowships. He taught at the University of California, Berkeley, for many years, influencing generations of students with his unique approach to poetry. He passed away on April 25, 2004, in San Francisco, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary contributions that continue to inspire readers and poets alike.
5 Interesting Facts about Thom Gunn
1. Thom Gunn was openly gay and his work often explored themes of homosexuality and the human body.
2. He won the Forward Prize for Best Collection in 1992 for his book “The Man with Night Sweats.”
3. Gunn was a fan of the Hells Angels and often incorporated biker culture into his poetry.
4. He received a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the “Genius Grant,” in 1993.
5. Despite moving to the United States, Gunn retained his British citizenship and identified strongly with both cultures.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thom Gunn
1. “I like loud music, weatherbeats, and the kind of man who won’t let you talk back.”
2. “The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.”
3. “I was much influenced by the work of Ezra Pound, especially his early work.”
4. “I admire the precision of poetry. It’s a suitable medium for the game of language.”
5. “Poetry is the expression of a feeling of loss, but also of felicity.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Thom Gunn’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his influence and contributions to literature have been invaluable.
Children
Thom Gunn did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Thom Gunn – Poetry Foundation](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/thom-gunn
2. [Thom Gunn – Academy of American Poets](https://poets.org/poet/thom-gunn
3. [Thom Gunn – Biography](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thom-Gunn
5. [Thom Gunn – MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org/fellows/489/
