Brodsky

JOSEPH BRODSKY (1940 - 1996)

Brodsky, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1987, arrived in England in the early 1970s after being expelled from the Soviet Union. Though eventually domiciled in America, he would spend time annually in Britain. A trip north in 1974 took him as far as Whitby, though the only poem which resulted from the journey was about York, in homage to the birthplace of his hero W.H. Auden (q.v.). Later, Brodsky stayed in the castle at Durham and from there travelled to the Roman Wall. He also visited Berwick-on-Tweed.

Though none of these places inspired poems, the area had a profound effect on him. Towards the end of his life he spoke of taking up residence in Northumberland - even of laying his bones there, rather than his beloved Venice (where he is in fact buried).

Myers Literary Guide:	The North-East
JOSEPH BRODSKY (1940 - 1996) Brodsky, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1987, arrived in England in the early 1970s after being expelled from the Soviet Union. Though eventually domiciled in America, he would spend time annually in Britain. A trip north in 1974 took him as far as Whitby, though the only poem which resulted from the journey was about York, in homage to the birthplace of his hero W.H. Auden (q.v.). Later, Brodsky stayed in the castle at Durham and from there travelled to the Roman Wall. He also visited Berwick-on-Tweed. Though none of these places inspired poems, the area had a profound effect on him. Towards the end of his life he spoke of taking up residence in Northumberland - even of laying his bones there, rather than his beloved Venice (where he is in fact buried).
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