12 Facts About Tom Raworth

Thomas Moore Raworth was an English-Irish poet, publisher, editor, and teacher who published over 40 books of poetry and prose during his life.

Tom Raworth's work has been translated and published in many countries.

Tom Raworth was a key figure in the British Poetry Revival.

Tom Raworth was born on 19 July 1938 in Bexleyheath, Kent, and grew up in Welling, the neighbouring town.

Tom Raworth's family maintained its strong Irish connections while he was growing up, something which would leave an impression on Raworth's sense of himself as a poet.

When he was 52 years old, Tom Raworth acquired an Irish passport.

Tom Raworth left school at the age of sixteen and worked at a variety of jobs.

Tom Raworth founded Matrix Press at this time, publishing small books by Dorn, David Ball, Piero Heliczer, and others.

Tom Raworth gave regular readings of his work throughout the course of his life, in Europe and the US In time, he even gave readings in China and Mexico.

Tom Raworth made a number of recordings and videos during the course of his career.

In 2007, Tom Raworth was awarded the Antonio Delfini prize for lifetime achievement, in Modena, Italy.

Tom Raworth was plagued by ill health for most of his life.