Edited by Anthony Thwaite

 

In this series, a contemporary poet selects and introduces a poet of the past. By their choice of poems and by the personal and critical reactions they express in their prefaces, the editors offer insights into their own work as well as providing an accessible and passionate introduction to some of the greatest poets of our literature. John Skelton (1460-1529) lived through one of England's most turbulent and dangerous periods. A tutor to Prince Henry (later Henry VIII), Skelton enjoyed the monarch's favour at court, despite his outspokenness. Throughout the sixteenth century many of Skelton's poems were printed and reprinted, including "The Bouge of Court", "Philip Sparrow", "Colin Clout" and "The Tunning of Elinour Rumming".