Hannah DixEver wondered what goes on in the life of a poet? Well some revelations can now be found in the letters written by Yorkshire poet Laureate Ted Hughes. The letters, which give detail on his thoughts about work, marriage, education and religion and more, are to go on display for the public for the first time.
The letters due to be displayed span a period of nearly 30 years, showcasing a correspondence between Hughes and the poet and literary critic Keith Sagar. Each letter gives, what some have called, a commentary on the Poet’s own work to the reader.
The collection of letters is due to be launched at an event later this month by academics at Sheffield University. They state that the 146 letters show a “unique dialogue between a writer and a critic”. As each letter is written a progression in friendship can be seen between the two, something of an oddity for Hughes who was notoriously suspicious of critics and academics.
Professor Neil Roberts, from Sheffield Universities school of English, said, “One reason for their bond was undoubtedly the fact that they were both Yorkshiremen, and Hughes himself grew up less than 15 miles from Sheffield, in Mexborough.”
Providing a significant and fresh new perspective on his life and work the letters are definitely of interest to anyone with a curiosity of Hughes and his work, but not only this the letters provide an insight into a world that will capture the interest of many.
The event, aptly named ‘Poet and Critic: The Letters of Ted Hughes and Keith Sagar’, will be held at the University of Sheffield on Monday 14 May. The event is free to attend, but places should be reserved. This can be done by contacting Adam Piette in the School of English by email on a.piette@sheffield.ac.uk
