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| 9/29/1902 |
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The World's "Best Bad Poet"
On this day in 1902 William McGonagall, poet and tragedian of Dundee, died. McGonagall was a middle-aged weaver when he heard his muse; today he is a cult figure, his many collections of poetry translated into over a dozen languages and selling well to those wishing to investigate a reputation for "the worst poetry ever written, in any language, at any time." |
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McGonagall Online
This attractive website presents a large selection of resources, including The Autobiography of Sir William Topaz McGonagall, in seven parts. Selected articles about the poet are also available. The poetry index allows browing by book title or theme (autobiographical, disasters, military, places, deaths & funerals, famous people, royalty, history, etc.). Highly recommended. From an account of one of McGonagall's stage appearances:
"The recitation ultimately being concluded, the 'poet' waved his sword triumphantly, and strode with a majestic mein from the ring., accompanied by a parting volley of eggs. A storm of applause followed and after a rather lengthy 'wait' the 'poet' reappeared, and, bowing, rapidly retreated. The unusually quick movements of the 'poet' rather took the spectators aback, and he had almost reached the exit of the arena before he was caught in a shower of missiles. An encore was enthuaiastically demanded, but the 'poet' declined to comply, and the other items on the programme were proceeded with...." |  | William McGonagall - The Centenary Festival
William McGonagall, poet genius? Most definitely, according to the creators of this website. Find a selection of McGonogall facts, poems, a photo gallery, and resources about the centenary festival.
"He has widely been branded the 'world's worst poet' but as we aim to point out he was, in fact the 'Bob Dylan' of his day - maybe even the world's first rapper - and his work is only now being appreciated for what it is. ... Had he been allowed to see the Queen, history may have been different for it is likely she would have been suitably impressed and McGonagall would have became Poet Laureate." | | William McGonagall Appreciation Society
Find a short biography, links, and a large collection of poems. Also offers a brief autobiographical note by the bard, and other electronic resources of interest, including an "Ode to McGonogall," testimonials, small collection of McGonagall-isms, and digital scans of newspaper articles from the nineteenth century.
"William McGonagall is Dundee's best remembered nobody. He was a man without talent who thought he was a great poet and tragedian and only needed an opportunity to prove it. This made him the perfect target for practical jokers who abounded in his day. He was engaged to give entertainments in small halls just so his audience could make a goat of him. His teetotal drink was spiked with alcohol...." | |
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The TinL masthead features photography by
Natasha D'Schommer
, and the book art featured is by Jim Rosenau.
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