Eric Mottram, English poet and critic (b. 1924)

Eric Mottram: A Pivotal Figure in British Post-War Literature and the Poetry Revival

Eric Mottram (29 December 1924 – 16 January 1995) was not merely a British teacher, critic, editor, and poet; he was a profoundly influential polymath whose diverse contributions positioned him as one of the central, indeed indispensable, figures in the transformative British Poetry Revival. His multifaceted career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both academic discourse and the avant-garde literary scene in the United Kingdom.

The Academic and Influential Educator

Mottram’s significant academic career was primarily centered at University College London (UCL), where he served as a Lecturer and later Reader in American Literature from 1963 until his retirement in 1990. During his tenure, he became a revered and often challenging mentor, introducing generations of students to the intricacies of post-war American poetry, including major figures like Charles Olson, William Carlos Williams, and Robert Duncan. His seminars were known for their intellectual rigour and exploration of cross-disciplinary connections, making UCL a nexus for experimental literary thought.

A Far-Reaching Literary Critic and Scholar

As a literary critic, Eric Mottram’s scope was remarkably broad, extending far beyond conventional literary analysis. He delved deeply into diverse cultural phenomena, producing seminal works and essays on American literature, jazz music, science fiction, beat culture, and the counter-culture movement. His critical approach was often interdisciplinary, demonstrating how various art forms and social movements interconnected. He authored important critical studies and numerous essays that appeared in scholarly journals and collections, profoundly shaping the understanding of contemporary poetics and cultural criticism.

The Editor and Catalyst for New Voices

Mottram’s role as an editor was crucial in providing platforms for the emerging and often radical voices of the British Poetry Revival. Most notably, he edited Poetry Review, the journal of the Poetry Society, from 1971 to 1975. Under his editorship, the publication underwent a radical transformation, moving away from more conservative styles to embrace experimental poetry, Black Mountain poetry, and transatlantic influences. This period, often referred to as the "Mottram years," is considered a golden age for experimental poetry in Britain, challenging established norms and fostering a dynamic new poetic landscape. He also co-edited The Resuscitator, another vital outlet for new writing.

The Experimental Poet

Beyond his roles as educator and critic, Eric Mottram was a significant poet in his own right. His poetic output, influenced by American projective verse and jazz rhythms, was often experimental, dense, and intellectually charged. His work explored themes of mythology, politics, history, and the urban environment. Key collections like Stream (1982) and his Selected Poems (1999, posthumous) showcase his distinctive voice and commitment to pushing the boundaries of poetic form and content. His poetry reflected his wide-ranging intellectual interests and his belief in the poem as a site of intense exploration.

Central to the British Poetry Revival

The British Poetry Revival, a loosely defined but highly significant movement primarily from the late 1960s to the 1970s, sought to reinvigorate British poetry by challenging traditional forms and embracing influences from American experimental movements (such as the Black Mountain poets, Objectivism, and the Beat Generation). Eric Mottram was indisputably one of its prime architects and intellectual leaders. His contributions were manifold:

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Eric Mottram’s legacy is profound. He played a singular role in expanding the intellectual and aesthetic horizons of British poetry, ensuring that experimental and avant-garde voices found a foothold. His work as a teacher and critic fostered a new generation of scholars and poets, while his editorial endeavours opened vital channels for innovative writing. He is remembered as a fearless intellectual who consistently challenged orthodoxy and championed the power of language to explore complex truths.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eric Mottram and the British Poetry Revival

Who was Eric Mottram?
Eric Mottram (1924–1995) was a distinguished British academic, literary critic, editor, and poet, widely recognized as a central figure in the British Poetry Revival due to his advocacy for experimental poetry and his significant influence at University College London and through his editorial work.
What was the British Poetry Revival?
The British Poetry Revival was a movement predominantly active from the late 1960s through the 1970s, aimed at revitalizing British poetry by incorporating experimental forms, techniques, and influences, particularly from American innovative poets. It challenged traditional British poetic conventions.
How did Eric Mottram contribute to the British Poetry Revival?
Mottram contributed through his teaching at UCL, where he introduced American experimental poetics; his critical writings, which analyzed and promoted avant-garde work; and most significantly, his editorship of Poetry Review (1971–1975), which transformed it into a vital platform for new and experimental voices, fostering a transatlantic dialogue.
What academic institution was Eric Mottram associated with?
Eric Mottram was prominently associated with University College London (UCL), where he taught American Literature for many years, significantly influencing students and scholars interested in modern and experimental poetry.
Which journal did Eric Mottram famously edit?
Eric Mottram famously edited Poetry Review from 1971 to 1975, a period often credited with invigorating the journal and making it a key outlet for the experimental poetry of the British Poetry Revival.