Sir John (Born August 1906 - Died May 1984) was an English poet, writer, and broadcaster. He was Poet Laureate from 1972 until his death. He was a founding member of the Victorian Society and a passionate defender of Victorian architecture, helping to save St Pancras railway station from demolition. He began his career as a journalist and ended it as one of the most popular British Poets Laureate and a much-loved figure on British television. This course is for all who like reading great poetry and would like to learn more about him. There will be a brief introduction to several aspects of his life using published material and then we will read some of his poetry in turn. You are encouraged to bring any of his poems. There will be some analysis of his poems.