Durcan, Paul (1944- )

Irish poet, winner of the Patrick Kavanagh award in 1974 and the Whitbread Poetry prize in 1990. Durcan was born in Dublin and studied archaeology and medieval history at University College, Cork. His poetry, such as O Westport in the Light of Asia Minor (1975), expresses a consistently humane standpoint, opposed especially against violence, and is characterized by its loose, long-line structure, and by a tone which is by turns colloquial and incantatory. His early reputation for iconoclastic satire has given way to the more meditative and reflective note evident in his autobiographical Daddy, Daddy (1990), and the politically charged A Snail in my Prime (1993). The collections Crazy about Women (1991) and Give Me Your Hand (1994) were inspired by paintings. Later works include Christmas Day (1996), Greetings to Our Friends in Brazil (1999), and Cries from an Irish Caveman (2001). He is well known for performing his poetry around the world.

Other published works include Teresa's Bar (1976) and Jesus and Angela (1988). The formal aspects of Durcan's work are thought to have been influenced by the US ‘Beat Poets’ and the Russian modernists.