Andrew Motion, the former Poet Laureate of the UK, has credited the poetry of Wilfred Owen with sparking his teenage interest in literature - an obsession that has remained throughout his life. It was a history teacher who first introduced him to Owen's work, reading aloud from his Collected Poems in class.
Motion's passion for writing was also ignited by Henry James' novels, which he discovered through an A-level poetry anthology edited by RB Heath. He recalls finding the collection, Theme and Variations, like 'breaking into a treasure trove of literary treasures'. Motion has since re-read many of James' works, finding his later output to be increasingly significant.
Other notable authors that have influenced Motion include Alexander Pope, whose genius of thought and technique he greatly admires; Elizabeth Bishop, whose prose, poems, and letters offer a unique blend of comfort and intellectual stimulation; and John Berryman's 77 Dream Songs, which he views as a poetic autobiography that is 'the breath of life'.
Motion's reading list showcases his eclectic tastes, embracing a diverse range of literary styles and genres. His dedication to reading is evident in the way he approaches each book with an open mind and willingness to revisit and re-evaluate authors and works throughout his life.