A poet laureate (plural: poets laureate) [1] [2] [3] is a poet officially appointed by a government or conferring institution, typically expected to compose poems for special events and occasions. Albertino Mussato of Padua and Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) of Arezzo were the first to be crowned poets laureate after the classical age ...

The Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, commonly referred to as the United States Poet Laureate, serves as the official poet of the United States. During their term, the poet laureate seeks to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry.

Dec 6, 2024 · Although the British poet laureate is now free of specific poetic duties, the American poet laureate, who is appointed annually, is expected to present one major poetic work and to appear at certain national ceremonies. This list orders the laureates chronologically, from the first to the most recent. (See also List of Poets Laureate of Britain.)

Learn about the role of the U.S. Poet laureate and what the poet laureate does, read poems by new U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, and browse a list of the poets who have previously held this position.

The official title of the poet laureate is "Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry." This title was established by an act of Congress on December 20, 1985 (Public Law 99-194). From 1937 to December 20, 1985, the position was titled "Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress."

Jan 3, 2025 · Poet laureate is a title that was first granted in England in the 17th century for poetic excellence. Its holder is a salaried member of the British royal household, but the post no longer has specific poetic duties.

Dec 5, 2024 · Until 1999 the position was a lifetime appointment; Andrew Motion was the first laureate to serve a fixed 10-year term. This list orders the laureates chronologically, from the first to the most recent.

As the nation’s official poet, the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress seeks to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry.

The British Poet Laureate is an honorary position appointed by the monarch of the United Kingdom on the advice of the prime minister. The role does not entail any specific duties, but there is an expectation that the holder will write verse for significant national occasions.

Read more about the history of poets laureate positions at the Library of Congress. Read about starting a poet laureate position where you live.