The Life & Loves of John Clare


Judith Allnatt

Manchester Central Library
Committee Room, Second Floor

Monday 22nd February 6pm
FREE

Though largely unrecognised during his lifetime, John Clare is now widely considered to be one of the most important English poets of the 19th century. The son of a labourer, he was known as the 'Peasant Poet' - but frustrated by lack of recognition, he suffered from bouts of depression & madness throughout his life and died in Northampton Lunatic Asylum. In this very special celebration of his life & work, Portico-award nominated author Judith Allnatt will read from her new novel The Poet's Wife (Transworld), a re-imagining of the lives of Clare & his family through the eyes of his wife Patty. We are also delighted to welcome Professor John Goodridge from Nottingham Trent University, Vice President of the John Clare Society - he is the editor of two volumes of essays on Clare & is currently working on a monograph of Clare's poetry.

For more information please contact Libby Tempest on 0161 234 1981
email: l.tempest@manchester.gov.uk