 |
| Photo by Adrian Pope From left to right: Gillian Clarke, Julia Copus, Kathleen Jamie and Moniza Alvi |
Congratulations to Sharon Olds, who was awarded the £15,000 prize for her collection, Stag's Leap, last night. Each of the shortlisted poets also received £1000, including Gillian Clarke (above, far left), who was shortlisted for Ice; and Jorie Graham, who was shortlisted for P L A C E, awarded the Forward Prize for Poetry last year. Unfortunately, Jorie Graham was unable to attend, and Carcanet accepted the cheque on her behalf.
Poet Laureate and Chair of the Judges, Carol Ann Duffy, said: "It was a really strong shortlist, with so much talent and grace, and it was particularly strong in women. We were particularly pleased to have six fantastic books by women." Carcanet is delighted that two of our most long-standing authors were shortlisted among such talented writers.
Speaking after the event, fellow judge David Morley said that Bevel, the debut by the acclaimed William Letford nearly made the shortlist: "Number 11 for all of us was one book. It's called Bevel by Billy Letford; a roofer by trade and a poet by vocation." Carol Ann Duffy added: "I can see why a roofer would make a good poet. It's about patterning and making and shaping, and poetry is very similar. Poets can be, and are, other things."
P L A C E and Ice are available in paperback, and until the end of the month, they are available for the special price of £7.46 with free UK delivery. Ice is also available in all major ebook formats.