Poet and Literary Scholar
Born 27 April 1920, Glasgow, Scotland.
Died 19 August 2010.

Widely recognised as one of the foremost Scottish poets of his generation, he was the first Poet Laureate for Glasgow and Scot Makar from 2004-2010.

Connection to the University of Glasgow: Alumnus, Honorary Graduate, Lecturer, Professor
GU Degrees: MA, 1947; DLitt, 1990;

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Achievements

The following achievement is associated with Edwin Morgan:

Scots Makar 2004-2010
Regarded internationally as one of the finest poets of his generation, Edwin Morgan was created Scots Makar (national laureate) in 2004.

Honours

The following honours are associated with this person:

• Gold Medal for Poetry
• Honorary Degree
• Officer of the British Empire (OBE)
• Scots Makar

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Biography

Edwin Morgan (1920-2010) was a graduate of the University who was titular Professor of English from 1975 to 1980 and, later Professorial Research Fellow in the Department of English Literature. He was awarded an honorary DLitt by the University in 1990.

Morgan matriculated to study at the University in 1937 but his studies were interupted by the Second World War, during which he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He returned to the University to graduate with a first in English Language and Literature in 1947, and became an assistant in the Department of English. He progressed through the ranks to become Lecturer (1950), Senior Lecturer (in 1965) and Reader (1971), before he was appointed a titular Professor in 1975.

Recognised as one of Scotland's greatest poets, Morgan was Poet Laureate for Glasgow from 1999 to 2005, and was awarded the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 2000. He also held the position of Scots Makar (national laureate) from 2004 until his death.

Edwin Morgan's death, in August 2010, was announced by the Scottish Poetry Library.