Peter Porter picked for poetry prize
23rd July 2009
Peter Porter has been shortlisted for the Forward Prizes for Poetry award for Best Collection for the second year in a row.
Mr Porter has won the award in the past, while Don Paterson has also been nominated for a second time in his career.
It is also the second time that an American poet has been shortlisted for the Best Collection award.
The 18th annual Forward Prizes for Poetry shortlist features debut appearances by Sharon Olds, Hugo Williams and Christopher Reid.
Chair of the judges Josephine Hart explained that the high number of submissions 'bears eloquent testimony to the pre-eminence of the Forward Prizes'.
William Sieghart, chairman of the Forward Arts Foundation, added: 'This year's prizes received the highest number of submissions for each category in their history, highlighting the rude good health of the UK's contemporary poetry scene.
'In a year with many world renowned poets shortlisted, I do not envy the judges having to make their decision.'
The Forward Arts Foundation also supports the Poetry National Day and the Big Arts Week.