Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

'Independent' columnist takes poetry chair

Sunday 15 May 1994 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

JAMES FENTON, war correspondent, drama critic and Independent columnist, has beaten three rivals to be elected Oxford University Professor of Poetry for the next five years. He polled 228 votes from Oxford MAs to 98 for the Australian poet Les Murray. Ursula Fanthorpe was third with 85 votes and Alan Brownjohn fourth with 40.

Fenton succeeds Seamus Heaney. He celebrated with a garden party at his home near Oxford when the result was announced on Saturday.

The Daily Poem, page 2

Leading article, page 13

Fenton column, page 14

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in