[R. S. Gwynn]

Here's the press release for John's American debut:

Noted British Poet to Read at Lamar

John Whitworth, a widely published poet and past winner of the prestigious Cholmonderley Award, will read from his work at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 23, in the Dishman Art Gallery auditorium. A book-signing and reception, sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, the English honors society, will follow.
Born in India, Whitworth grew up in Edinburgh and attended Oxford University. He has published nine collections of poetry, the most recent of which, Being the Bad Guy, was named by poet Les Murray as a Times Literary Supplement book of the year for 2007. Whitworth's poem, "The Examiners," was second-place winner in a 2007 poetry competition judged by readers of the TLS. A prolific poet and tireless entrant in poetry competitions, Whitworth has recently published work in the Spectator and in the online journal the Chimaera. He lives in Canterbury with his wife, editor and professor Doreen Roberts, and their two daughters.
R. S. Gwynn, poet-in-residence at Lamar, says, "John Whitworth is surely the most skillful poet we have ever hosted at Lamar. He is a master of light verse, a brilliant rhymester, and just possibly the funniest poet writing today."
While at Lamar, Whitworth will meet with creative writing classes and graduate students and will be honored with the first Eleanor Poetry Room Award, which is funded by the family of the late Eleanor Perlstein Weinbaum, longtime supporter of poetry at Lamar.

[Janice D. Soderling]

Now THIS is what I call an historic event.

Is it too much to hope for weekly reports?

[Gregory Dowling]

Or even daily reports, together with photos and video-links...

[Rick Mullin]

Would that be Thurday, April 23? If so, weekly reports are out of the question.

RM

[Janet Kenny]

Retrospective event even ;-)

John, show those Texans that size is relative and don't wear cowboy boots after you get back home.

Break a leg and y'all have a wonderful time you hear.

That's great news. I'd like to be there to see two funny poets putting their heads together.

[R. S. Gwynn]

Oh, Jeez: April 23rd!

[R. S. Gwynn]

John was great in my classes and gave a wonderful reading. I think he set our record for book sales. He didn't see a lot of America, but we did a pretty good job on this small corner.

[Janet Kenny]

Surreal but delightful.
Thanks for the report Sam.

[John Whitworth]

Had great time. Ate a lot. Drank a lot. Talked a lot. Texans are great people. Haven't got any cowboy boots. Over and out.

[R. S. Gwynn]

Old guys in Texas.