Pulitzer poet to perform

An Honorary Professor of English at the University of St Andrews described as ‘the most significant English-language poet born since the Second World War’, will perform a special reading at the University this week.

Paul Muldoon, the 2003 Pulitzer Prize winner from Northern Ireland, is known for being extraordinarily versatile in mood and genre. His writing includes several opera libretti and songs that have been performed by Bruce Springsteen.

The rare treat to be served this Thursday (21st April) is the final event of the academic year in the programme organised by The Poetry House, the largest building in Britain devoted to the writing and reading of poetry. The reading at Lower Parliament Hall is open to the public and entry is free.

During the evening event, Muldoon will treat the audience to a reading from his work followed by a discussion of his craft, where listeners will be given the opportunity to ask questions about the Princeton-based poet’s work. The visit is a welcome return to two years ago when the poet charmed a packed audience of townspeople, students and dons.

Raised in Northern Ireland, where he published his first book at the precocious age of 21, Muldoon has, since 1973, published over 25 volumes of poetry. His work is well-known both for its depth and range of allusion and for its virtuosic verbal games. The Times Literary Supplement has dubbed him ‘the most significant English- language poet born since the Second World War’.

Muldoon is currently based at Princeton University, where he is Howard G.B. Clark Professor of Humanities and Creative Writing.

Muldoon commends the habit of learning and speaking individual poems aloud and professes to enjoy sharing a poem with an audience ‘as if reading it for the first time’.

“We are delighted once again to welcome Paul Muldoon to St Andrews”, said Professor Robert Crawford, Head of the University’s School of English.

“His poetry gives immense pleasure to many of us here and we hope that as many people as possible can join us on Thursday to share the musical and magical experience of hearing him read’.

PAUL MULDOON WILL PERFORM AT LOWER PARLIAMENT HALL, SOUTH STREET, ST ANDREWS, ON THURSDAY 21ST APRIL 2005 AT 7.30-8.45PM. ENTRY IS FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME.

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook, Press Officer on 01334 467227 / 462529, mobile 07900 050 103, or email gec3@st- andrews.ac.uk Ref: Pulitzer Performance 190405.doc View the latest University press releases at http://www.st- andrews.ac.uk