Join us on National Poetry Day for the first in a new series of FREE author events: special guest Jeffrey Wainwright in conversation with Martin Kratz at the Burgess Foundation.

At this event, Jeffrey Wainwright will be reading and discussing his poem ‘An Empty Street’, shortlisted in the 'Best Single Poem' category of the Forward Prize. The event is effectively a staging of the ‘poetry inquisition’ as called for by the chair of judges, Jeremy Paxman, in controversial remarks earlier this year. In light of these remarks, the conversation will give particular attention to the relation between poetry and the public, and invites thoughts and questions about the poem from the audience.

Jeffrey Wainwright has published five poetry collections with Carcanet, the most recent of which is The Reasoner (2012). He has numerous publications on the subject of poetry and translations to his name. Jeffrey retired from his post as Professor of Poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2008. As a student himself, he was influenced by the many poets at the School of English, Leeds University, including Jon Glover, Geoffrey Hill, Jon Silkin and Ken Smith. ‘An Empty Street’ was inspired by Ottone Rosai’s painting Via San Leonardo. The full text of the poem, first published in PN Review 215, can be found at www.jeffreywainwright.co.uk.

Martin Kratz is an Associate Lecturer in Poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University. His poem ‘The Man Who Walked Through Walls’ was highly commended for this year’s Forward Prize. He is co-editor of Mount London (Penned in the Margins).

Drinks will be available to purchase from the bar, and there’ll be a special Blackwell’s bookstall, with signing after the event.

Entry: Free. Contact events@anthonyburgess.org to reserve seats.

Visit our websites and follow us on Twitter for news:

The Manchester Writing School at MMU: www.manchesterwritingschool.co.uk @mcrwritingschl

The International Anthony Burgess Foundation: www.anthonyburgess.org @misterenderby

Supported by the MMU Institute of Humanities and Social Science Research and MacDonald Hotels and Resorts

www.MacDonaldHotels.co.uk