Vale John Tranter

Poet, editor and critic John Tranter has died, aged 79.

The Copyright Agency writes:

‘We’re saddened to hear of the passing of John Tranter, renowned Australian poet, editor, critic, reviewer, broadcaster, and valued Copyright Agency member.

‘One of Australia’s greatest poets, Tranter published 22 collections of poetry, received many fellowships and grants, and won numerous literary awards—including both the Kenneth Slessor Prize and the Grace Leven Prize for Poetry for Under Berlin. He edited the controversial anthology The New Australian Poetry and co-edited The Penguin Book of Modern Australian Poetry with Philip Mead, now the standard text in its field.

‘Known for experimentation in his work and his early adoption of digital technology, Tranter’s influence and renown stretched far beyond Australia. His internet magazine, JACKET, received international regard and in 2010 Tranter donated it to the University of Pennsylvania.

‘Tranter conceived and was the driving force behind the Australian Poetry Library, a project he started in 2004 as a free internet site with poems, book reviews, interviews and Australian poet biographies. Subsequently funded by the Australian Research Council, with support from the Copyright Agency and hosted by the University of Sydney, by the time it officially launched in 2011 it featured over 42,000 poems by Australian poets.

‘Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends.’

Picture: John Tranter in 2009, photo by Anders Hallengren

Category: Obituaries