Tony Harrison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Harrison
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Harrison in 2015
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| Born | Tony William Harrison 30 April 1937 Beeston, Leeds, England |
| Died | 26 September 2025 (aged 88) Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England |
| Occupation | Poet, dramatist, librettist |
| Alma mater | University of Leeds |
| Period | 1970–2017 |
| Notable works | V |
| Notable awards | European Prize for Literature (2010) |
| Partner | Siân Thomas |
Tony William Harrison (born 30 April 1937 – died 26 September 2025) was a famous English poet, translator, and playwright. He was known as one of Britain's most important writers of verse. Many of his plays were performed at the Royal National Theatre.
Harrison was also known for works that sparked a lot of discussion, like his poem "V". He adapted many classic plays, from ancient Greek tragedies like Oresteia and Lysistrata, to French plays by Molière such as The Misanthrope, and the Middle English The Mysteries. He was also known for sharing his strong opinions on important world events, such as the Iraq War.
In 2015, he received the David Cohen Prize for his entire body of work. In 2016, he was honored with the Premio Feronia in Rome.
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About Tony Harrison
Tony William Harrison was born on 30 April 1937, in Beeston, a town in Leeds, England. He studied Classics, which includes ancient Greek and Roman history and literature, at Leeds Grammar School and the University of Leeds.
Harrison passed away at his home in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, on 26 September 2025. He was 88 years old.
A Poet and Playwright's Journey
Tony Harrison had a long and successful career as a writer. He was especially good at making old stories and plays feel new and exciting for modern audiences.
Famous Works and Adaptations
One of his notable works was The Mysteries, first performed in 1985 by the Royal National Theatre. This play was his version of the old English medieval Mystery Plays, which were based on stories from the Bible. Harrison felt that using actors from Northern areas helped bring the energy of these classic stories to life.
The Poem "V" and Public Discussion
Another very well-known work is his long poem "V", written in 1985. This was during a time when many miners in the UK were on strike. The poem describes Harrison's visit to his parents' grave in Holbeck Cemetery in Leeds, where he noticed some disrespectful graffiti. The title "V" can mean many things, like victory, versus, or verse.
When a filmed version of "V" was planned for TV in 1987, it caused a big debate among the public and politicians. Some people were worried about the strong language used in the poem and whether it was suitable for television. A group of Conservative politicians even tried to stop the broadcast. However, one politician, Norman Buchan, defended the poem, saying others might not have understood it.
The broadcast went ahead, and the discussion eventually calmed down. One politician criticized Harrison, calling him a 'bolshie poet' (meaning someone who challenges traditional ideas). Harrison, known for his sharp wit, quickly replied, defending his work and challenging the politician's view. This showed his commitment to artistic freedom.
Awards and Recognition
Tony Harrison received many awards throughout his career for his contributions to literature:
- 1972 Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize (for The Loiners)
- 1983 European Poetry Translation Prize (for Aeschylus's The Oresteia)
- 1982 Whitbread Prize for Poetry (for The Gaze of the Gorgon)
- 1984 Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (This means he became a special member of a group that celebrates literature.)
- 2004 Northern Rock Foundation Writer's Award
- 2007 Wilfred Owen Poetry Award
- 2009 PEN Pinter Prize, the very first one given
- 2010 European Prize for Literature
- 2015 David Cohen Prize
- 2016 Premio Feronia
